A YOUNG man who has given up his free time to offer a helping hand around Cudworth Park is being celebrated for his hard work and dedication by fellow volunteers.

Jordan Bunney, 26, is a dedicated volunteer with the Friends of Cudworth Park group.

Every day, after finishing work at Shafton Primary Academy, he goes around the park litter-picking and has now taken on a lead role as he works to help the area succeed at the Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Fellow volunteer and community development officer, Joanne Smith, told the Chronicle: “Jordan started as a litter-picker and from there has grown and formed a little group who go to help.

“They’ve been making flower beds in the park and the small pieces of maintenance that the council don’t do.

“He does it all on top of full-time work - his mum says that as soon as he gets in he puts his high-vis vest on and gets out.

“Now he’s made himself a full rota - he’s just our hero.

“He’s really well thought of by everyone.”

On top of these jobs, he’s become a member of the local ward alliance.

“Now that he’s joined the ward alliance we’ve got a young, environmental-focused voice being heard,” Joanne added.

“He also attends all the police PACT meetings to discuss the issues in the area.

“He’s a real community hero.”

Joanne has put Jordan forward for this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards, celebrating his commitment to the area.

Jordan said: “I love volunteering - since I started I have gained more skills and confidence.

“Before, I wasn’t a very confident person but now I will happily have a conversation with anyone.

“I love looking after the environment, keeping the village nice and clean and safe and enjoy meeting new people - I like to help, whether it’s by litter picking, sweeping up glass or from looking after my local park with my little team.

“I feel absolutely honoured by my nomination, I was not expecting it at all - I just like to make people happy in my work and I do it all for my community.”