A Congleton resident nominated for a Pride of Britain Award for going above and beyond has insisted that it's a "collective community effort" that is pulling the town through the coronavirus pandemic.

Congleton resident Hannah Longstaff selected Shaun Radcliffe for the award as a thank you for the help he has provided throughout Congleton and its surrounding areas during the Covid-19 epidemic.

Miss Longstaff posted on Facebook: "He has helped so many people over the last few weeks and I'm sure people would agree that he has been an absolute lifesaver."

She has put Shaun forward for the Special Recognition section, which is for achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces.

Her post on Facebook was met with approval by hundreds of residents.

Shaun has been going above and beyond to ensure that the elderly, vulnerable, those self-isolating and key workers have essential items since the coronavirus outbreak swept the country.

Following a meeting with Congleton Town Council, Shaun helped set up the Congleton Food Hub, which is located at the town hall and is a drop-off point for food donations and essential items.

The town hall is open from Monday to Friday (9am to 11am) for the foreseeable future, and in the afternoons Mr Radcliffe and other volunteers have been delivering packages to houses, schools, care homes, hospitals and emergency services in the Congleton Partnership van.

Alongside other volunteers, Mr Radcliffe has also been using his afternoons to help Boots and Superdrug deliver vital prescriptions to residents within the community in his own car, once he has completed delivering food hampers.

Mr Radcliffe told Nub News that he was flattered to be nominated for the Pride of Britain Awards, but he felt that it was a "collective community effort" which was getting everyone through these difficult times.

Shaun said: "I appreciate it so much and it's really heart-warming, but I haven't done it for the praise and recognition, I have done it for the people of Congleton that have needed help.

"We wouldn't be in this position now helping numerous people in our community on a daily basis, if it wasn't for the generous donations we continue to receive."

Shaun paid tribute to 15-year-old Callum Bloor, who has assisted him every day at Congleton's Food Hub.

Mr Radcliffe added: "If I did somehow manage to win then Callum would most definitely be coming to London with me and getting on that stage as well.

"He doesn't get the credit he deserves; all he wants to do is help people and at the age of 15 he is helping charities.

"He is here day in, day out and I cannot put into words how highly I regard him, he's a smashing lad.

"He's always on top of things, when we are out driving, he's responding to messages and making sure we're getting back to people as quick as possible."

Congleton Food Hub still have a donation trolley at the town's Poundstretcher, whereas Morrisons are now splitting bags of goods between the likes of the food hub and the Storehouse foodbank at New Life Church rather than having a trolley.

The food hub, which is also receiving bread from Morrisons, delivered 200 loaves yesterday.

Nurses on the ICU at Macclesfield Hospital and staff at Congleton's Aston Ward yesterday received boxes of chocolates, which were donated from Macclesfield's TK Max and three ladies from Congleton made 150 cupcakes between them for the NHS staff.

Mr Radcliffe added: "These little acts of kindness are going a long way to helping get everyone through this testing period.

"Alison Cann and another lady made wash bags for the staff at Macclesfield Hospital.

"I cannot say how proud I am to see all of us come together."

You can nominate your unsung hero for the Pride of Britain Awards here.

You can contact Shaun on 07825408377 or via Congleton Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Support Group.