Jeff Keen of The Torch Centre, Hexham voted Person

Acomb resident Jeffrey Keen, 69, was nominated as this week's Person by his granddaughter, Katie Keen.

Jeff has worked at the charity The Torch Centre in Hexham for nearly 13 years.

The community centre hosts a variety of group activities, events and offers a safe space for both disabled and able-bodied individuals to socialise. 

Jeff Keen was nominated Person of the Week (Image: Supplied) Katie, 13, said: "Jeff has always helped everyone that has come into the Torch Centre. He is a true gentleman, he always makes everyone feel at ease, even when he has a cheeky grin on his face and the regulars know he is up to his cheeky tricks. Jeff is the heart of the Torch Centre - he is kind, loving and caring."

Jeff said: "Until last year, I used to run the domestic side of the Torch Centre and now I just do the bar."

He started working at The Torch when he saw the job advertised at the charity while he worked at The Freemans Arms, Acomb.

Jeff will celebrate 13 years at the charity in November.

"It's changed a lot, Covid changed everything. We had a fairly steady, regular clientele with people hiring the place, but once Covid came, a lot of the groups never came back." 

He said the space is used by pilates groups, exercise groups for the older generations, dance groups and art clubs. 

His daughter Zoe Keen also works at The Torch and said her dad is 'the heart and soul' of the community centre.

Zoe said: "Dad is the heart and the soul of the Torch Centre, everyone who comes in loves him, and nothing is too big or small for him. When Dad is behind the bar all the regulars love having a laugh with him and he does as well - he is a right wind up but everyone loves it. Over the years he has seen the Torch at its best and at its worst and he has never given up on the place, he's always trying to find new ideas or ways to help the Torch."