A Weymouth resident has been praised as a role model for his selfless work and nominated for an award.

Jack Welch, 26, has been nominated for the Positive Role Model for Disability category in The National Diversity Awards 2020.

He has supported causes on both a local and national scale for more than a decade. One of his earliest voluntary roles was with Dorset Youth Association, which ran two successful Heritage Lottery funded projects. In that time, volunteers like Jack contributed to columns which were published by the Dorset Echo.

Jack is also co-chairman of an inclusion forum with Dorset County Museum in aid of its major transformation project and making it accessible to visitors of all needs.

Jack was surprised by his nomination and said: “It’s a special feeling to be recognised by somebody who believes in the work you’re doing and feels you should be recognised for that.

“The National Diversity Awards is an example which brings together ordinary people doing extraordinary acts for their communities.”

The National Diversity Awards recognises Britain’s most inspirational and selfless people, individuals and groups from grassroots communities in their respective fields of diversity, such as age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion and sexual orientation.

The awards receive more than 28,000 nominations and votes annually.

Founder and CEO Paul Sesay said: “As we enter our ninth award season, the National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding role models and charities to our family.

“We look to those who represent progress, spirit and resilience and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year.”

The awards have attracted a growing list of supporters, including Adam Hills, Graham Norton and Katie Piper.

Sir Lenny Henry CBE, last year’s winner of the Celebrity of the Year gong, said: “Diversity to me means involving everybody without any discrimination, it means having integrated groups in society, it means fairness and total inclusion and that’s what the National Diversity Awards are about.

“Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated, you’re all doing a fantastic job, rock on.”

To vote for Jack, visit bit.ly/NDA20-JW

Nominations are open and close on June 8. For a nomination form, email emma@nationaldiversityawards.co.uk