A hardworking Hackney Homes resident with a selfless attitude has made the shortlist for a national award for improving the lives of his neighbours.

Tony Osborne, was already celebrated as Hackney Homes’ Resident of the Year for his dedication to his community on the Aspland and Marcon Estate in Amhurst Road.

He is now down to the final three shortlisted for the National Federation of ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisation) Awards, designed to honour individuals and groups who do so much at ground level to improve the lives of their neighbours and the communities in which they live.

Tony single-handedly transformed a disused laundrette into a community hub for everyone the community, organised gardening club sessions outside the hall bringing together families from the estate and also - when others wouldn’t - opened the hall to youth groups who wanted to meet and be in a safe environment.

On top of all this, he is in the final stages of opening a luncheon club for elderly residents so they can escape the isolation of their homes and make new friends.

The winners will be announced in Manchester next month (July).