A STOURPORT man who is already one of the West Midlands' most remarkable voluntary workers has just taken on another important role serving the public - at the age of 77.

Bob Belding, of Lower Lickhill Road, who was awarded the MBE in 2000 for his unstinting work in gaining recognition and support for carers, has just become a member of new and independent Patient and Public Involvement Forums.

The forums are new watchdog bodies aimed at giving patients and the public more say and influence in the running of the NHS.

Mr Belding, a veteran of the NHS and one of the first male district nurses in the country, has been appointed to two of the new bodies. He will chair the West Bromwich Primary Care Trust Forum while also being on the Sandwell and Wednesbury Mental Health Forum.

His experience should be an asset in the role and comes from four decades of working for the NHS, as a nurse and later in health promotion, since its foundation in 1948.

Mr Belding said: "I know the difference the NHS makes to people's lives. As a 10-year-old, I had to look after my mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. This inspired my love for nursing but it also reminds me of the personal struggles we face if we lose the NHS we know and love."

He was also a longstanding member of Community Health Councils, the body the forums replaced.

He said: "I was sad when the Government decided to wind up the CHCs and I tried to get them to change their mind.

"But, having accepted that the forums have replaced the CHCs, I am quite convinced it will be for the best."

He is particularly looking forward to the hospital visiting work which he was also involved in on the CHCs.

Mr Belding added there would eventually be five or six of the forums in a geographical area previously covered by just one CHC.

"I am convinced we will keep the trust boards accountable.

"The aim is, ultimately, to have 20 members on each forum but it is crucial we recruit the volunteers. People have got to realise it is their health service and join in."

As well as his new health role, Mr Belding has just been appointed to the West Midlands War Pensioners' Committee.

He is also heavily involved in Carers UK, the Princess Royal's Trust for Carers and chairs the Sandwell Carers' Centre.

Mr Belding moved to Stourport 35 years ago and was involved in crime prevention and was a school governor.

He is used to people asking "which hat are you wearing today?"

"It is a pleasure to help other people," he added. I retired 17 years ago and I work harder now than when I was paid for it."