IT was during research on a book that the sterling work of one volunteer, who has dedicated a large part of this life to helping fellow miners, came to light.

Eddie Kelly, of Hobart Street, Burnley, has been nominated for the Pride of East Lancashire Outsanding Volunteer award, by Tony Bell.

Tony wrote a book about the history of Burnley Miners' Working Men's Club called 'Owt and Nowt' and during research Mr Kelly's name kept cropping up.

For nearly 50 years, Eddie, 79, has volunteered his services to sick and injured coal miners and their widows, to help them with compensation claims for death, industrial disease and other legal battles.

Tony said: "Though an ordinary man in one sense, he's extraordinary in another.

"Having little formal education, Mr Kelly prepares and presents legal evidence concerning how a miner received an illness or injury. His case involvement numbers in the hundreds."

One shining example was when he helped a Yugoslav miner who had come to work in Lancashire and died. Eddie found letters from the man's family in Yugoslavia, he held a collection, collected what money the dead man had owed to him and went there to give the money to his mother. Tony, of Woodbine Gardens, Burnley, said: "He paid for the journey himself and he has done many other outstanding voluntary acts."

Eddie said: "I'm honoured to be nominated. I worked down the pits for 22 years and have been helpers miners and their widows since 1954. We've managed to settle a lot."

Our fourth Pride of East Lancashire award for Outstanding Volunteer, sponsored by Holland's Pies, is designed to reward people like Eddie for their selfless actions.

Perhaps you work with someone or have a friend or relation who volunteers in some capacity -- you could even nominate yourself. Or maybe you benefit yourself from the work of a volunteer.

Whatever the level of voluntary service, we want to hear from you.

As with all 11 Pride of East Lancashire Awards, nominations must be received by September 30.

The winner of the Outstanding Volunteer award will receive a £2,000 holiday and £1,000 cash to be presented at a glittering awards ceremony in November.