James Bentall

James is the heart and soul of our village, who makes everyone smile and works every minute to make everything he touches shine.

Above all, he is known for his youth work , which has enriched a whole generation of local youngsters. After many years as a scout leader, he has recently been the driving force in starting a local youthclub. After just a year it has 120 members and holds weekly meeting, regular outings, camps and community service.

He brings out the best in every child he works with - he is kind and funny and produces an unenending supply of exciting activities, but at the same time he always demands the best of every child, always pushes them to achieve a little more, respect others, live up to the highest expectations.

James' energy seems boundless: when he's not running youth activities in our village, he's often doing the same elsewhere - through his church, through the inner london Special Needs school where he's a full time teacher, or through groups working with disadvantaged children.

But youthwork is only his most obvious contribution. He also plays the organ in the church, works behind the scenes for the drama group, is the driving force behind the village website (and as a spin-off is the first port of call for everyone in the village when their computer goes wrong).

James knows everyone, has time for everyone, a smile for everyone. He carries our flame for a better community every day. Please let him do so for the 2012 Olympics.