A FATHER has celebrated 25 years volunteering in the town he loves and adores.

Jason Walker started his life-long goal of improving Blackburn when he was 14-years-old and set up a Keep Britain Tidy group in 1994.

Now 38, the business owner has worked with thousands of people during hundreds of projects across the town to help make a difference to people.

After setting up the gardening group, the dad-of-one set up a young citizen association to encourage young people to socialise and discourage them from loitering on the streets during evenings.

This led to the Wimberley Estate Tennants Association being reestablished in the area.

Mr Walker, who owns Phoenix Constructions, has also become the chairman of the Friends of Roe Lee Park group, the treasurer of the Royal British Legion Blackburn branch, a spokesman for Green England and was appointed an ambassador for Blackburn.

Mr Walker said he's enjoyed every project he has been involved with.

He said: "I live and breath Blackburn and I love and adore its people.

"From an early age I wanted to help others, it's just been part of my nature.

"I got involved in the litter picking and the youth club as a youngster because I wanted to make a difference to the area I lived in.

"I thought I shouldn't just moan about it, why not take action and do something myself."

In 1996 the former St Mary's College student was awarded a young people's community award for his services to the town.

As well as helping out in projects across Blackburn, the former Our Lady and St John Catholic College pupil has taken on several challenges raising money for charities including completing the Three Peaks Challenge, organising charity football matches, and raised money for Islamic Relief.

Mr Walker said: "I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people.

"Yes it feels good, but the fact I can help someone who is less fortunate than me gives me the passion and motivation to keep going.

"I couldn't do this for a quarter of a century if I didn't enjoy it."

Mr Walker said his 13-year-old daughter, Madison, is following in his footsteps and wants to be part of projects and take up volunteering.

He said: "She ends up going out to most of the litter picking mornings I go to because I'm a single parent and she has no choice.

"But I've noticed she's taking an interest now and is thinking more about what goes on around her in her area."

Looking ahead, Mr Walker said: "There has been a massive improvement in the town in recent years.

"But as we can see, there's still a lot of work to be done and my job is not over.

"I will continue to work for the town I love and adore."