A NORTH-EAST man has been highly commended after being nominated for the Beacon Prize 2003 for his work.

Peter Sotheran, 59, was nominated for the award for his efforts leading the recent 20-month long rebuilding programme at the 327-year-old Sir William Turner's Almshouses, on the outskirts of Redcar, Teesside.

Each of the 24 almshouses has been refurbished at a cost of more than £60,000 each.

Since the work was completed, the almshouses have been named as an Investor in People and as a Registered Social Landlord.

Mr Sotheran, who joined the Board of Trustees of the Almshouses in 1990, and is now chairman, said: "I am flattered and slightly embarrassed to have been nominated for the award.

"My grandfather, who founded the printing and stationery firm, often said you only get out of a community what you put in to it.

"And I was happy to try to help the trustees through a difficult period."

He is currently leading a project at the almshouses to convert derelict land into a community garden, and there are plans to restore the courtyard of the almshouses to its former glory.

Emily Stonor, chief executive of The Beacon Trust, which is raising the role of philanthropy in Britian, said: "In an almost impossibly difficult process, with many hundreds of outstanding nominations, Peter Sotheran's achievements stood out as exceptional.

"We congratulate all our highly commended candidates. Reaching the final shortlist is a considerable mark of recognition for their achievements."

The national winner will receive £20,000 for charity.