DECADES-OLD communities across North Staffordshire are facing massive changes as the area's housing renewal programme gathers pace.

But individuals such as Lee Carroll are helping to ease the birth pains of this new era and ensuring that a sense of community lives on.

Lee is a community worker for Sanctuary Housing in the City Waterside area of Hanley, in the middle of the City Centre South area of major intervention.

Renew North Staffordshire is in the process of rebuilding hundreds of homes in the area, and it is up to Lee to help people adjust to the idea of change.

As he has recently had to move out of his own home, after living in the area for 30 years, he seems the ideal person for the job.

But it is his tireless work outside office hours that has earned Lee a nomination in the Good Neighbour category of The Sentinel's Our Heroes awards.

Sarah Bardsley got to know Lee while she was working in the area for Renew contractor Lovell and she has seen at first hand the difference he is making in people's lives.

Sarah, aged 41, of St Vincent Road, Stone, said: "The area is undergoing huge changes at the moment, with demolitions going on and people having to move out of their homes.

"While this has been going on, Lee has been a key part of the community. He's been organising events like the luncheon club, where you get 40 residents coming along.

"For Halloween he decorated the community centre all in black for the kids. He did it all in his own time.

"He really does go above and beyond for the people in the area. He does so much for people it's just fantastic. He's really trying to keep the community together.

After his old home in Wellington Street was earmarked for demolition, Lee chose to stay in the area, moving into a property in Picton Street.

Working out of the community centre in Dresden Street, Lee believes it is very important to maintain a sense of community during a time of such change.

In the course of his work he helps people move home, welcomes newcomers into the area, and ensures that the community spirit is not lost.

Lee, aged 46, said: "I used to work in the Hole in the Wall oatcake shop in Waterloo Street, and I also work in the local Londis shop, and so people know who I am.

"I think that makes the job easier, because if it's just some stranger in a suit telling people their homes are being demolished.

"When we first opened the community centre there had never been one in the area before, and so nobody really wanted anything. But now everybody wants a permanent community centre."