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A Wirral taxi driver who has run a Christmas toy appeal for children for 13 years has been named the North West Taxi Hero.
Alan Gilfoyle won the regional title in the Acorn Taxi Hero Award, which recognises drivers across the UK.
He was chosen from more than 1,700 nominees nationwide.
His appeal collects donations from friends, neighbours and businesses, and he uses his own money to buy extra gifts for children who might otherwise go without at Christmas.
In March he also did 100 press-ups every day in memory of his late mother, raising money for a local cancer charity.
Mr Gilfoyle said: "I never started collecting toys or fundraising for recognition – I just wanted to do something to help people in my community, particularly children who might otherwise miss out at Christmas.
"I'm really proud to represent the Wirral and I'm looking forward to the national winner being announced."
Ash Coakley, head of taxi insurance at Acorn Group, said Mr Gilfoyle had given "an enormous amount of his own time, energy and money".
He receives a £100 Amazon gift card for the regional award.
The national winner, who will get a £1,000 Amazon gift card and the first Britain's Taxi Hero trophy, will be announced on 11 November.
Other festive appeals are already under way – Wirral Ark has opened its Christmas colouring competition for schoolchildren.
