A COMMUNITY man who spends his time helping others has been crowned a ‘local hero’ in a competition to mark the relaunch of an iconic Weymouth attraction.

The Dorset Echo teamed up with operators of the Weymouth Sea Life Tower, which has undergone a makeover and has a new name, to launch the search.

The popular attraction has now been reopened as Jurassic Skyline, a name which reflects the rich history, heritage and coastline around Weymouth.

Gordon Lambert, 71, was crowned a local hero after he was nominated by friend and neighbour Christine Walker.

Gordon lives at mobile home park Broadcroft Gardens on Portland, together with his partner Pat Davis, 75.

He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in May 2011 and Pat said Gordon spends his time helping and looking after others.

Gordon was unable to officially reopen the tower to the public this morning due to a fall at home, but in his honour Pat attended the inaugural champagne flight on the Jurassic Skyline.

Gordon has also been offered a ride on the tower another day, as well an annual Merlin family pass guaranteeing unlimited entry to Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park, Madame Tussauds, Legoland, The London Eye and Dungeons and many more.

Pat said: “This award is fantastic and very well deserved for Gordon; when he found out he won he questioned why and said he was not a local hero – but he’s just as much of a hero as anyone else.”

Christine, who also lives at Broadcroft Gardens and nominated Gordon for the award, said he was an inspiration to others and had been the first person to welcome her when she moved to the island.

She added: “He can’t see anything he does is worthwhile but it makes such a difference to those around him.

“He would help anyone and also supports other people with Motor Neurone Disease and their families.”

Gordon was born in London but moved to Dorset 16 years ago after some of his family also moved to the county.

The search for a local hero aimed to find someone who has gone 'above and beyond' in their commitment to a loved one or the local community.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Richard Kosior who also attended the relaunch event said Gordon had gone out of his way, despite his difficulties, to help others.

He said: “Often the last person who thinks they are a hero is the person themselves, but Gordon has made a substantial difference to his local community.”

The £3.5m Jurassic Skyline Tower was open to the public in June 2012, just before the borough hosted Olympic sailing events.

Construction of the tower and observation pod took around eight months.

The 174ft-high viewing platform, with its new-look exterior, now features a new and exciting audio experience which promises to bring Weymouth’s Jurassic history to life.