A MAN who helped harness community spirit on a Bournemouth estate was presented with an award.

Ray Willis, chairman of ACT- Acres Road and Turbary Park Avenue – community residents association, was given a certificate for his hard work.

The association, which is merging with Wallisdown and Winton Forum, was started following Royal Wedding celebrations.

On the day the award was presented, residents were celebrating the installation of a new puffin crossing, one of the issues the association had campaigned for.

During the morning of celebrations, Mr Willis, who is moving out of the area, paid tribute to local people and thanked them for their support.

He said: “This campaign has involved so many local people for the past two years, friends and neighbours who have diligently knocked on doors undertook a study into the road, went with me to the town hall when I read our speech to council for the campaign.

“We have endured a great deal of pessimism and negativity and a wide range of reasons why a crossing was not needed on the busy Turbary Park Avenue.

He added: “So often success lies in perseverance and having the courage of a conviction. It’s not about numbers attending meetings, it’s the character and the vision of local people which are paramount as a means to success.”

Fellow Act committee member, Margaret Sunderani, said the aim of the group was partly to harness community spirit.

“Ray has led this and worked his socks off. His legacy will be carried forward.”