THE community stalwart behind a local charity has explained why it has decided to sell its main vehicle and has had a dig at Thurrock Council's intransigence which has meant it couldn't be used for its recycling purpose.

Ironically, Paul Luke from Stanford-le-Hope is currently up for a top council award for being a civic hero as an environmental champion!

Paul, who operates the Eco Fresh dairy, also runs the Bee Kind Foundation and says: "We have agreed to sell the foundation's mini bus. When we purchased the vehicle we had a number of plans for it.

"The main plan to help people discard of their unwanted furniture etc has been blocked by the council and their recycling centre permit system.

"I have tried on numerous occasions to get round this. However, every answer has been 'no'.

"We hope to get as much for the vehicle as possible to help us undertake more fantastic work locally.

"It's a superb vehicle with low mileage and a tow bar fitted as well."

The 17 seater mini-bus is on sale through E-Bay with a reserve of £2,500.

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Anyone who wants to vote for Paul in the civic heroes award can do so via its website. The whole voting process has been ridiculed by many commentators on social media for being too complicated - and all the nominees are not named! However, you can find Paul (and other nominees) via the red button link below.

Paul recently made the news after his early morning milk round brought him into contact with a man contemplating suicide who he talked round to getting help.