A SHALDON man who has dedicated years to helping others has received a Community Transport Award from Devon County Council. Roy Pepper, co-ordinator of Supporters of Teign Estuary Patients (STEPs) was among 12 successful nominees for the awards that recognise the achievements of unsung heroes. Mr Pepper, who describes himself as 'no spring chicken,' has spent the past eight years transporting the elderly or disabled to medical and hospital appointments. He is also one of eight volunteers who look in on those who have returned from hospital or those who do not have any close family. He was nominated by fellow volunteers Irene Mallardo and Derek Livesey. They said: 'Roy is a person that can never say no to any person asking for help. 'Throughout the years, he has been at the other end of the phone ready to help young and old in every aspect of illnesses or disasters – from ferrying people to and from hospitals to shopping, DIY and befriending the ill and housebound. He truly deserves the recognition for his actions, especially since he is himself an elderly gentleman.' The personal friendships and a sense of helping the community is the true award, said Mr Pepper. 'I do get an enormous amount of satisfaction from the role and have made close friends. 'It also is a daily reminder that I am so lucky to still be active at my age,' he said. Mr Pepper turned to volunteering after the death of his wife in 1988. He transported day patients to Torbay's Rowcroft Hospice and later worked for Meals on Wheels before the service was opened up to private tender. He has worked with STEPs since it inception and provides a valuable service for Shaldon and Glendevon GP surgeries.