AN OUTSTANDING volunteer has received a special award for all the hard work and effort he has put into a charity for older people.

Retired electrical engineer Frank Musker, 85, was praised for all his volunteering work at the Abbeyfield Society for more than 25 years.

Abbeyfield opened in Ulverston in 1975 with a new extension unveiled in 1986 by Princess Diana.

Mr Musker received The Royal Patron’s Awards, which is endorsed by HRH The Prince of Wales, Abbeyfield's Royal Patron.

It is given annually to a few select individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to Abbeyfield, its houses, member societies and the lives of its 8,000 residents worldwide.

During his time, Frank has been a fierce advocate for the Abbeyfield House in the local community and carried out vital maintenance work.

He has also helped to plan and deliver a varied and vibrant activities calendar, and also supported other Abbeyfield houses in the region, including as a Trustee at Staveley House in Dalton-in-Furness.

Debbie McGuire, senior house manager for Ulverston and Bolton Le-Sands house, described Frank in three words: self-less, caring and supportive.

She said: “Frank’s mother was a resident at Abbeyfield House 27 years ago, which is how he got involved with us.

"He has terrific knowledge of the local area am I am grateful to him for supporting me a lot in my early days at Abbeyfield and teaching me the ropes.”

“Frank has made a real difference here. He worked relentless on the maintenance side, and he threw himself into all sorts of jobs, saving us thousands of pounds.

"He also gave us his time generously in other areas over the years, working to solve all sorts of problems and help us to deliver the best possible service.”

Yesterday, Frank was presented with his award by Lady Cavendish of Holker Hall, who has been a long-time supporter of Abbeyfield and its work.

Frank said he was shocked when he received the phone call announcing he had won the award.

He said: “I was very surprised when I received a phone call saying I would be awarded the Royal Patron’s Award, and then a letter asking if I would accept it.

"Although I can think of other people who are just as, or possibly more, deserving than me, it is of course a great accolade that I am honoured to accept.”

Established in 1956, The Abbeyfield Society is a charity for older people, providing housing and residential care. The Abbeyfield Society’s mission is to alleviate loneliness and enhance the quality of life for older people, through quality accommodation supporting people to remain socially connected in later life.