A KIND-HEARTED villager who works tirelessly for his community has been nominated for the Worcester News's Pride in Worcestershire Campaign.

Nils Wilkes, of Eckington, near Pershore, spends hours each week keeping the village war memorials immaculate.

After researching four First World War graves in the cemetery, he discovered that the name of one of the soldiers was missing from the memorial so ensured that it was added.

"It did not seem just that he wasn't remembered and I think it was worthy that his name was placed on the memorial," he said.

"I'm quite surprised but delighted to be nominated and it's just pleasing to be recognised."

The Worcestershire County Council highways maintenance manager, who has lived in Eckington all his life, has also written a book on the village, called The History Of Eckington.

"I've always been interested in local history and have been researching it for about 10 years," he said.

Mr Wilkes, who has also been a parish councillor for 20 years, presented his research to the Eckington branch of The Royal British Legion.

Mr Wilkes was nominated by May Stephens, of Tewkesbury Road, in Eckington.

"He is a very special villager who gives his time most readily," said the 81-year-old Royal British Legion secretary.

"He is often asked to find out about former villagers when visitors from overseas come back here to find out about their ancestors."

The aim of the Pride In Worcestershire campaign is to highlight the best things about the county.

If you know someone who makes you proud to live in Worcestershire, let us know by calling 01905 742244, writing to Worcester News, Berrows House, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX, or e-mailing us at wenedit@thisis

worcester.co.uk