If anyone deserved being honoured in the Worcester News' Pride in Worcestershire campaign - which seeks to highlight all that is good about our county - it would be John Lapworth, who has clocked up 10 years of voluntary service at the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Lower Broadheath, near Worcester.

Since 1995, Mr Lapworth has been regaling visitors with tales about one of England's most famous composers. In his time there he has seen the museum grow to its present state, which includes not only the 19th-Century Birthplace Cottage but also the modern visitor centre.

The 73-year-old music and history buff, who lives in Leigh Sinton, near Malvern, said: "I just enjoy meeting the public and telling them al about Mr Elgar."

But it's not just at the

museum where Mr Lapworth gives up his time for others.

He also volunteers at the 14th-Century Lower Brockhampton Manor House, near Bromyard, Snowshill Manor, near Broadway, and at an Oxfam shop in Malvern.

He said: "I think having worked from age 14 to 65 I did not want to sit at home during my retirement years. I enjoy volunteering and I would encourage other people to volunteer."

Chris Bennett, museum supervisor, said: "John has given invaluable service and we cannot thank him enough for the support that he has given to the museum in many different ways. I hope that he will continue to be a volunteer for many more years".

"One of the greatest resources of the Elgar Birthplace Museum is the team of volunteers who give unstintingly of their time to meet and greet the ever-increasing number of people who visit the birthplace every year from all over the world."