The work of a teacher who started volunteering aged just 13 has become "integral" to Barnsley.

Harshad Kumar Patel, 59, is a secondary school science teacher, assistant chief examiner, and a governor at Holgate school sports college.

Yet he also finds time to be a governor at Barnsley Hospital and a magistrate. And he is renowned for bringing together people of all nationalities and backgrounds to promote good community relations - while celebrating cultural diversity.

Mr Patel, of Locksley Gardens, Birdwell, has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award in the Volunteer of the Year and Exceptional Achievement categories.

He was put forward by Mirban Hussain, who said: "Harshad is not just a volunteer, but an essential asset, a leader and worker for the social cohesion of the black and ethnic minority communities. He has taken on this role with pride and selfless devotion."

Mr Patel has been in Barnsley for 30 years but started voluntary work when he was 13 in 1967. He began by  raising money for charities through sponsored walks, swims and fasting, and continues to this day.

Mr Hussain said: "Harshad has volunteered his time and talents to serve not only ethnic minorities, but to focus on quality of life issues that impact all residents in Barnsley. His role in organising cultural events has become integral to Barnsley's civic calendar."

Mr Patel is chairman of the Gujarat Association of Barnsley, and was actively involved in setting up Barnsley Black and Ethnic Minorities Initiative in 2001.

Over ten years, he worked closely with Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police to develop it. He has helped people fill in application forms, write references, sign legal documents, and solve personal problems.

Father to two daughters, he also cares for an elderly mother and a wife with a serious medical condition.

Mr Hussain said: "Harshad is one of those people that make you proud to be part of Barnsley."