AN EAST Anglian man who settled in Guisborough has received a community achievement award at the age of 90.

Vic Knights, who hails from Felixstowe, moved to Brotton in the 1980s and then to his home in Stump Cross, Guisborough, in 1988. Since then he has worked voluntarily to make the area a safer place for people of all ages.

Mr Knights is an active member of Guisborough road safety committee and is a founder of Stump Cross Neighbourhood Watch, of which he is still a co-ordinator.

His services to the community were recognised at the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland's community achievement awards last week.

Mr Knights told the D & S Times: "I used to be a lollipop man, but when I came here I was over the age limit.

"I told the council that road safety should be taught to children in school at an early age, so they said: 'Go ahead and set it up'."

He taught hundreds of children the basics of staying safe on the roads, particularly cycling instruction, by visiting Park Lane Infant School and Northgate Junior School to give lessons in the playground.

More recently, he volunteered to train people in how to use the new Puffin crossing installed in Rectory Lane, Guisborough.

Of his other role as one of three neighbourhood watch co-ordinators at Stump Cross, he said: "We have about 60 members now, and I think it has made a big difference to the estate."

Mike Hall, education training and promotions manager for Redcar and Cleveland Council, described Mr Knights as a champion of the people and an ambassador for road safety.

He said: "It's fantastic what Vic has done over the years. It's magnificent that somebody can give so much time and effort, free of charge, for the people of Redcar and Cleveland."