DESPITE being one of just three finalists for a prestigious Pride of Britain award, a key figure in village life in Humshaugh was pipped at the post.

Dick Moules was shortlisted for the local hero honour in the national awards, which aim to celebrate the achievements of remarkable people.

And after dishing out more than £50,000 in grants to local organisations, generated by Humshaugh Village Shop, which was rescued from closure by Dick and his band of 40 volunteers, residents clearly agreed he was a worthy recipient.

For they turned out in force last week as ITV’s Good Morning Britain broadcast live from the village, during which Dick was described as a “powerhouse of the community”.

As chairman of volunteer group, Humshaugh Community Ventures Limited, Dick also helped save the village pub from closure until a new tenant was found, as well as helping to establish a community oil buying scheme and refurbishment of the village hall.

However, a grandmother from Hackney, who is credited with turning her housing estate around after gangs, muggers and drug dealers turned it into a no-go area, was announced as the winner on Friday.

Alice Burke attended this year’s Pride of Britain ceremony, held at London‘s Grosvenor House on Monday.