BEST VOLUNTEER: Gary Baines is nominated for an award

Gary Baines, 31, of Lynchmere Avenue, Lancing, has led the work to help repair and maintain Shoreham Fort which was built in 1857 and was a prototype for forts along the south coast.

Now, thanks to his hard work Gary has been nominated in the best volunteer category in the Herald/Gazette Community Stars Awards.

Aaron Clarke, 23, of Penstone Park, Lancing, nominated Gary.

He said Gary was deserving of the award due to his “outstanding and unshakeable dedication to raising funds and awareness for Shoreham Fort”.

He added: “He puts in so much time and effort despite having quite a few knock-backs over the years.”

Becky King, 20, of Montrose Close, Goring, also nominated Gary, stating: “I am so proud of him.

“I don’t know how he finds the time after working a full-time job and having a small boy. He is very dedicated.”

Gary said he was “honoured” by the nomination, but said it really was a group effort and without the volunteers it would not be possible to run the Friends of Shoreham Fort.

This is the second time he has been nominated for the award, narrowly missing winning last year.

Since last year, the Friends secured £53,000 to carry out essential repair works to the fort walls and another £15,000 which will be used to remove the condemned coastguard tower. The group is organising a sponsored walk next month to raise money to replace tools stolen recently.