Michael Richardson has lived in New Addington for 56 years, his parents moved to the area just before he was born and he is fiercely protective of tit.

The dad-of-five has been chairman of the New Addington and Fieldway Partnership for the last three-and-a-half years.

He says: "I was asked to stand and had my name put forward by Croydon councillor Brenda Kirby, currently the mayor of Croydon. The committee voted me in as I am also the chairman at Goldcrest youth club. This is the last year that I can stand.

"I was told that the work only involved three nights work each year, which it doesn't!"

Michael has been involved with Goldcrest youth club ever since it opened, attending first as a 14-year-old boy, and for the past 20 years as the manager.

Michael says: "I firmly believe that things should be available for young people to do and it is up to the adults to make sure these are available."

His role as chairman not only involves chairing meeting but also organising steering groups and working with Croydon Council to improve the estate.

"We work in partnership with the council and give people a voice," says Michael.

"We are listened to and we have made great steps forward and I believe we couldn't do this without the council's help. We feel the community is listened to and ideas are taken on board."

Michael was also instrumental in setting up the Cyber Caf in Central Parade, although to start with the idea did not go down too well with some of the residents.

"People thought it was purely for the youngsters, but we wanted it to be a community experience.

"Who better to teach older people how to use a computer than the young? It has been a very positive way forward," explains Michael.

The caf can accommodate 15 people at a time and has now been developed so that people can use the computers to search for jobs or find information on sex education.

Despite the stigma attached to the area Michael is very proud of New Addington.

"There are some brilliant people in New Addington and the area has a great community spirit.

"It is more like a village, I couldn't find anywhere better to live," he enthuses.

"Croydon Council do want to make it a better place, if we can get people to attend meetings and speak freely we will get things done. We have a slogan it won't happen unless we make it happen.

"There are some very hard working people helping to improve the area."

Michael, who will be celebrating 25 years of marriage to wife Angie in October, was shocked to learn he had been nominated for Croydon Champions: "I am very, very flattered, I don't like to take the limelight but I hope it encourages everyone to get involved and have their say.

"It is quite a shock.

"If it encourages more people to get involved in community work then it is a great nomination.

"My wife is very supportive and does put up with a lot; I spend a lot of time on the computer and at meetings."