A PENDLE man who fought a brave battle against a brain tumour has been crowned Regeneration Champion in the search for a local hero.

Derek Gascoigne, 55, received the accolade, sponsored by Pendle Partnership, for his work as the project manager of Pendle Council's Environmental Action Group - providing work experience for young people.

In July 2003, Derek underwent optical sensory brain surgery in his fight against cancer.

Despite this he worked right up until he was due to have surgery and, against medical advice, was back at work soon after.

And during his recovery, Derek managed to secure funding for the Environmental Action Group for a further 12 months.

He said: "I am honoured and humbled to win this award and accept it on behalf of all the people who have helped to make the Environmental Action Group such a success. I am just one of the many very committed people working hard to regenerate East Lancashire."

The Environmental Action Group has provided the labour for hundreds of environmental improvement projects in the area. They have worked on the Brierfield Peace Garden, Colne Millennium Green and some of the work on the new Hodge Hut in Bradley ward, Nelson, by putting up fencing, landscaping, planting trees and creating seating areas.

Derek, known as a leading light in Pendle's environmental network, as chair of the Hodge House Allotment Society, and through his involvement with Pendle Community Network.

Former colleague Jacqueline Gibson nominated Derek. In the form she submitted she said: "Mr Gascoigne gave me the help and support to get practical work experience, work my way up to be a supervisor and then get a job with Pendle Council's Highways and Engineering Department.

"In just a few months Derek gave me a lifetime of experience which I am truly grateful for."

Since setting up the Environmental Action Group in 1999, Derek and his team have helped more than 190 young people, many of which have have had difficulty getting a job because of previous problems such as drug misuse, criminal activity or special educational needs.

Pendle Partnership chairman Dennis Mendoros OBE said: "His passion, commitment, energy and devotion to environmental regeneration are unquestionable.

"He beat off some very stiff competition and choosing a winner was a tough decision.

"In addition to the winner, we decided that Brian Holmes should be highly commended for his work with young people and the Open Door Furniture Recycling project."

Mark Matthews, managing director of 2BR, the local radio station behind the awards, added: "Derek lives up to our idea of a local hero in every way.

"His work is making a real difference to people in Pendle and his battle with cancer makes his achievement even more remarkable.

"He is an excellent choice as our first ever Regeneration Champion."