John Gray has been given a vital job - to keep his town spick and span.
The 63-year-old has been hired as Whitley Bay's new tidy town worker. He was appointed to the role by Whitley Bay Big Local, a Big Lottery-funded group that aims to improve the community.
John, who lives in the North Tyneside town, will have a number of duties including gardening, small repairs, clearing rubbish and painting.
He will also be asking residents and businesses what they think the main issues in the area are and what he or Whitley Bay Big Local can do to help improve the town.
In addition, John will be a point of contact with North Tyneside Council and other local groups, and will help to organise volunteer events such as litter picks.
He said: "It has been wonderful to see the new promenade and the re-opening of the Spanish City Dome. It would be great if the surrounding area also lived up to these high standards to help people feel proud of the place they live in."
John has lived in Whitley Bay for many years and used to run a small business there.
He will now be spending a lot of time out and about and wants to encourage residents and traders to stop him for a chat about things they think he could help to improve.
He added: "I am passionate about the area and improving the quality of life in the town. It is exciting to be able to help with this."
Anyone wishing to contact John can email him at john.biglocal@gmail.com.
