A WEAVERHAM taxi driver who goes above and beyond to help his elderly customers has been recognised with an award on TV.

Paul Ming, 55, was nominated for a BBC North West Tonight Christmas Star by his wife, Gillian, for all of his hard work in the local community.

The pair have lived in Weaverham for eight years after moving from Halewood, and Paul has built up his business in the area through word of mouth since then.

Through being a taxi driver, Paul encounters many older clients who require his help by taking them to supermarket to do some shopping

While many drivers would simply drop customers off, Paul always goes in with them to help with the shopping, carries bags and will even help to put groceries away at their homes.

And his thoughtless actions have seen him presented with one of only 15 Christmas Stars ahead of more than 2,000 north west nominees.

“I nominated him for a Christmas Star because he always finds the time to help his customers,” said his wife Gillian.

“He loves what he does and he goes above and beyond for his customers, who always say how good he is and how he’s improved their quality of life.

“He works really hard and even when he doesn’t have time to help people, he will always try and make the time.

“I just felt that something should be done to recognise this.”

This is echoed by Blanche - one of his elderly customers who he now considers to be his friend.

“I really couldn’t do without Paul. I even had Sunday dinner with him when he moved into his new house, which was fun and something I enjoyed,” she said.

“Paul has made my life liveable and allowed me to be independent for as long as I have.”

The award came as a complete surprise to Paul, who was presented with it after taking one of his customers to what he believed to be a salon appointment.

“I was lost for words when I walked in, which is a first for me, and I just felt humbled,” he said.

“Helping people is just part of my job as a taxi driver, and I don’t think of what I do as anything special.

“It’s just a case of picking people up and helping them with bits and bobs, which I’m more than happy to do.

“I don’t do it for any recognition - it’s just something that everyone should be doing if they can.”