A POOLE man who went above and beyond to help children in his community has been recognised with a BBC Radio Solent Make A Difference Award.

Rob Franks collected and repaired more than 600 laptops for disadvantaged children to allow them to continue schoolwork throughout the Covid lockdown.

His work saw him selected by a panel of judges for the community award at the BBC Make A Difference Awards which recognises local heroes across the UK.

Mr Franks joined other award winners at a special ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on September 24.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, he said: “I had an old laptop which I mended and refurbished and took to Facebook to see if there were any children that needed it to learn on during lockdown.

“I had about 100 messages, which made me think if I have an old laptop then surely other people have one.

“I put a small plea out on Facebook and it went loopy. It was a snowball effect – every day I was collecting 10 to 15 laptops.”

He added: “It was heart warming to know that people were taking my little campaign on.”

His nomination read: “The humbling part is that Rob doesn’t see what he is doing as out of the ordinary.

“I want to show him that what he is doing is beyond the call of duty.”

It added: “He is the definition of a community man and he definitely deserves some kind of award.”

Mr Franks has also lobbied the government to put an end to funding cuts to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

He was awarded an BEM in June for his work to refurbish and provide laptops for disadvantaged children.