Peter Angelini is one of four finalists in that category of this year’s Great Scot awards, reflecting his local good deeds.
Reacting, Peter, 79, said: “I do a lot of work. I look after about 20 people every week.
“Okay, it was a surprise, but a lot of people on the street do keep shouting out you should get this, you should get that.”
A retired council labourer, Peter carries out shopping, gardening, DIY and childminding duties for people in need around the town, collecting newspapers and prescriptions.
And he is always happy to stop and have a chat.
Peter said: “I look after old people; they come in to me with problems sometimes.
“And I find accommodation for some people who have nowhere to live.
“People also want little jobs done.”
Peter’s volunteering has seen him playing a role with The Richmond Fellowship, and with St George’s Church who have sent him a letter congratulating him on his nomination.
The self-titled ‘People’s Poet’ is also creatively prolific, producing works in support of organisations including The Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust.
Having already been dubbed Dumfries’ own ‘Guid Nychburr’, Peter produced a book of poems titled ‘Good Neighbours’ which helped raise money for the trust working to develop Moat Brae House into a centre for children’s literature – with its patron Joanna Lumley providing the foreword.
Peter said: “I’m very religious — I believe in God — and I get great gratification because the people appreciate it, and they’re happy and smiling, and that pleases me.”
Noting that his wife Mary was a missionary, he added: “She really deserves a lot for putting up with me.”
Previous Great Scot recipients include racing driver Jackie Stewart, and Peter is pledging to give away his prize money to charity if he wins the public vote — which can be cast at www.greatscotawards.co.uk/vote.html
A decision on the winner will be made by a panel of judges this weekend, before the awards ceremony which takes place in October.
