WHEN you’ve given your life to the local community it’s only fitting that the decades of hard work is rewarded.

Tony Gandy, president of Warrington Lions, was the popular recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award – the final honour given out on our Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards.

The 75-year-old received a standing ovation from the 150-strong audience with cheers echoing round the room and close friends and family wiping tears from their eyes.

Tony’s fellow volunteers had put together a video full of special messages, documenting more than 40 years’ service in Warrington communities.

Described as “Mr Warrington”, Tony has also been nicknamed Captain Chaos by his colleagues but it was all good-natured fun.

Warrington Guardian:

The Grappenhall resident has spent the past 45 years donning the famous red and white suit to appear as Father Christmas on the charity float, and on many of the 18 nights last December, Tony was suffering from pneumonia.

Tony “never wants to let anyone down” and “didn’t give it a second thought” as he knew the younger residents of Warrington would be waiting to see Santa.

He “would do anything for anyone” and “nothing is too much trouble” – he is a true inspiration.

One fellow volunteer said the lifetime achievement award “couldn’t go to a better man”.

Once he got over the shock of receiving the award, Tony called out to local councils and the Government to help those in need adding that people shouldn’t have to rely on local foodbanks to survive.

He said: “I’m so proud to serve Warrington and the people who live here.

“Warrington is the best town in Cheshire, in fact, it’s the best town in Great Britain.

“But it can be even better – we just need help to make it even better.”

Tony told audience that large donations of £4,000 had recently been given to charities such as Mencap, Helping Hands and Walton Lea as well as helping people living in Turkey in need of food, water and toilets and around £10,000 was collected during December.

One of the nominations for Tony said: “It is a privilege to know Tony and support his work.

“He is a gentleman and works tirelessly to help benefit others.

“It’s about time Warrington show him how much everyone thinks of Tony.”