Tributes have been paid to Community Champions winner Alex Kilpatrick, of Allestree, who died on 12 January, 2009, aged 75.

He was given the Mayor of Derby’s Environmental Champion award at the 2008 ceremony for his volunteer work with the Friends of Allestree Park.

During his time with the group, of which he was chairman, he organised activities for the public and cared for plants and wildlife at the nature reserve.

His wife Denise said: "He did volunteer work all his life and loved conservation and wildlife so was very proud and honoured to be nominated and chosen as the winner by the Mayor."

Councillor Pauline Latham, who presented Alex with his award at the ceremony, said: "I’m sure that his vision and ideas will live on through the work of his friends and colleagues well into the future."

Members of the Friends of Allestree Park have also paid tribute to Alex.

Secretary Peter Grundy said: "Alex was the driving force behind the group, and it was his determination and vision that enabled the group to survive and prosper in the early days."

As well as his wife Denise, Alex was also survived by his step-son James, daughter-in-law Tracey and grandchildren Jack and Jessica.