A VOLUNTEER has received a prestigious award for his work at a Credit Union.

Reg Smith from Newport has received a prestigious title in the first Credit Union of Wales Awards.

The 62-year-old retired civil servant was judged Volunteer of the Year following a nomination by Newport Credit Union.

During the past seven years he’s been treasurer and chairman of the credit union as well as helping to move the entire organisation to larger premises in the city.

Reg, who lives with his wife in Farmwood Close, joined the credit union as a volunteer in 2010 after he was made redundant from the debt department of the Inland Revenue.

He said: “I decided that although I was just 55 it was time to retire, but I felt I still had a lot to give and if I couldn’t find work then at least I could fill my time by volunteering.

“You could say I went from a full time job to become a full time volunteer, but I thoroughly enjoy my role in Newport Credit Union and am absolutely overjoyed to have been nominated for the award.

“A lot of very dedicated people volunteer for credit unions across Wales and I’m honoured to have been considered as a recipient of the award.”

As a former trade union representative Reg developed skills in how to improve the working lives of fellow staff and helping individuals at times of need – skills which were pivotal in the development of his local credit union.

Reg not only looks after the purse strings at Newport Credit Union but is also the treasurer of the Newport Table Tennis League and the Gwent Association of Table Tennis.

Reg was one of six award winners at the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff Bay which also welcomed Welsh actress Ruth Madoc and guest speaker Jane Hutt AM. A video message was shown from Patron of the Credit Unions of Wales Michael Sheen OBE.

Tanya Martin of Newport Credit Union said: “Reg initially starting volunteering for us on our front desk. Within a couple of months, he was appointed as treasurer on the board, where he helped to expand the credit union, implementing a new and improved database and expansion of products and members.

“He continues to volunteer his time at least three days a week in the main office, helping in whatever capacity is required, whether from creating graphs and reports, to dealing with queries and questions, to making the tea and hoovering the floors!

“Without him, I don’t believe the credit union would have grown as much as it has.”