A COMMUNITY leader will 'leave a big hole' when he departs a town next week.

Barry Doughty, who served as chairman of Dalton Community Association for over a decade, is preparing to head back to his native south Wales.

The 76-year-old helped to transform a former military drill hall in the town to a thriving community hub.

The former borough councillor, county councillor and Dalton town mayor helmed the community group when it was awarded the Queen's Award, the equivalent of an MBE for volunteers.

Now more than 40 groups and services, including the police, use the space, which caters for people between the ages of zero and 90+.

Four thousand visits are made to the hub in Nelson Street every month.

Mr Doughty is returning to Wales after 14 years in Dalton for personal reasons.

He said: "I'm proud of the work we did.

"I leave knowing the community centre is in safe hands and it will still go from strength to strength.

"Although I'm moving I still want to be as supportive as I can to make sure Dalton gets the facilities it deserves.

"I'm going to miss the day to day running of the centre but I am remaining a trustee from a distance until such time I'm not needed, or resign.

"It's in my blood trying to help where help is needed.

"My wife Eileen and I have really enjoyed our time in Dalton and wish the town and all the people in it the best of luck for the future."

Paying tribute, Dalton councillor Shaun Blezard said: "It's going to be a sad day for Dalton when Barry leaves.

"He's been a public servant in this town for so many years.

"He's done so much for Dalton and he'll leave a huge hole.

"We'll miss him."

Mr Doughty said he was grateful to all of Dalton Community Association trustees, especially Ian Maddox.

Val Robinson has taken over as chair of the group.