LOCAL people who have made an impact have been celebrated over the past week demonstrating the effect individuals can make on communities.

Robert Walburn, known to most people as Tommy, 53, kept the streets of Northallerton spotless for years, but it wasn’t only his work that made a mark, it was his unfailingly friendly approach which brightened up many a windy, grey day on the town’s High Street.

He was renowned for his ready smile and friendly greetings for shop staff and the range of passers by.

The reaction to his death and the huge attendance at his funeral even prompted the police to say what a “top bloke” he was and how wonderful and no doubt easier for them, it would be if the world was filled with people with Tommy’s approach.

His death has prompted a real outpouring of affection but he was greatly appreciated when he was alive, organisers of the Northallerton 10k got him to set off their starting horn last year to mark his standing in the community, and he was presented with several awards by employers Hambleton District council.

Now a bench is to be placed in the High Street in dedication, so his memory will live on.

Another who has made a real impact is film maker Paul Berriff from Bedale. While he has been applauded for his documentaries and news stories, it was only when the Palace announced he was being presented with an OBE for setting up the inshore Humber lifeboat in 1989 that many found out about his life saving hobby.

The service has helped save 5,200 people and directly rescued 182 who were in imminent danger of drowning.