A FORMER British Gas worker who dedicates hours of his time to helping victims of crime in Gwent has been named volunteer of the year by Victim Support.

Warren Lewis, of Pontypool, has volunteered on a range of projects since his retirement 15 years ago.

But when the 63-year-old completed a counselling course at Coleg Gwent's Ebbw Vale campus two years ago, he decided to start work with Victim Support.

He has since worked with people all over Gwent suffering from the consequences of crime, from the families of murder victims to people struggling to cope with antisocial behaviour.

In the last year alone he has dealt with more than 100 vulnerable people - a fact which Mr Lewis thinks stood out for the judges of the Victim Support Volunteer Awards 2009.

“It’s not just about going along and sitting down with them for a cup of tea,” he said. “They want someone who goes beyond the call of duty, and I hope that is what I have done.”

At an awards ceremony in London earlier this week, Mr Lewis was presented with his award by Princess Anne, and said he was delighted to have been recognised for his hard work.

“It can be emotionally draining. I’ve seen big men cry because of what’s happened to them or their wives. But when you help someone it is so rewarding.”