MAKING time to help others has earned a retired farmer the Bury Man of the Year title for 2004.

Mr Jack Kenneford was presented with a glass tankard engraved with the arms of the borough and the logo of awards sponsors Bury Hospice, by the Mayor of Bury Coun Wilf Davison. He was also awarded the Colin Caffrey Memorial Trophy to mark his voluntary work.

Mr Kenneford (75), who lives in Hilda Avenue, Tottington, with his wife, Sheila, said: "Naturally, I was very pleased and honoured at receiving the award. I was more than satisfied just to be nominated and chosen to represent the Ramsbottom and Tottington area."

In its second year, the Longfield Suite ceremony in Prestwich was attended by 100 guests.

Five nominees were shortlisted from candidates put forward by the area boards. They were Geoff Higginbottom for Bury East; Roy Rigby representing Bury West; David Curtis for Prestwich; and Ted Selby representing Whitefield and Unsworth for the second year.

Mr Mervyn Reeves, the hospice fund-raising manager, said: "The only disappointment of the evening was the people of Radcliffe didn't nominate a man from their area."

Mr Kenneford has worked in the voluntary sector since 1944 when, at the age of 16, he joined Bury Young Farmers' Association. Since then his work in the community has ranged from being chairman of Tottington Youth Club to helping the Meals on Wheels service.

He said: "One farmer told me that we have to make time. I have done that ever since. By joining Bury Young Farmers I became involved in other organisations."

Today Mr Kenneford is welfare officer of Bury Lions Club; is a member of the hospital radio team at Fairfield General; is deputy chairman of Tottington High School governors; a volunteer helper with Speakeasy; and a driver for Meals on Wheels.

The father-of-two, who has three grandchildren, is also chairman of Tottington Civic Society and vice-chairman of Ramsbottom Civic Society. He is also an active co-opted member of Ramsbottom and Tottington Area Board.

"The mayor made some very generous comments and I would like to thank him and Bury Hospice for organising the event," said Mr Kenneford.