A singing caretaker is the first person to be recognised by Cramlington Town Council as a ‘Neighbourhood Hero’.

Peter Allan is the caretaker at Shanklea Primary School and during the pandemic he has worked hard to ensure the school is always ready to welcome the children of key workers.

But his talents as a singer have meant Peter has been keeping up the spirits of his local community as well.

Shanklea Primary teacher Sharon Shires, who nominated Peter as a Neighbourhood Hero, said: “During this pandemic Peter has been one of those people for whom nothing is too much trouble and he is always smiling, singing or making people laugh, even though his family has suffered bereavements during this time. He is definitely a Neighbourhood Hero!”

Peter, 46, said he was surprised and delighted by the nomination. He added: “I enjoy making people laugh and I’m passionate about my music.

During the first lockdown I wrote a song called ‘Last Night Down The Pub’ which was played on local radio and helped me raise money for Cancer Research. In times like this the more I can make people smile the better! “

Last Night Down The Pub can be played below.

If you know someone who you consider to be a ‘Neighbourhood Hero’, send the details to steve@cramlingtontowncouncil.gov.uk so we can give them the recognition they deserve.