For years, Anton Bantock has worked tirelessly in Withywood to improve residents' quality of life.

Not only has Anton, 76, set up the University of Withywood, but he also plays several other roles in the community.

Now his efforts have been recognised with a nomination for a Bristol University centenary degree.

Four of the honorary degrees will be awarded on July 15 to honour individuals who have given extraordinary service to their community.

Anton came to Bristol fromBirmingham in 1960 to take up a post as a history teacher at Bedminster Down Secondary School, where he taught for 27 years.

He decided to open the University of Withywood in 1987, the same year that he retired.

The university has two main functions, one of which is the organisation of a sponsorship fund to raise money to help young people in the Third World complete their education.

"The other purpose is to enhance the quality of life for local people in Withywood," he said.

"We have a regular programme of activities which are run from my bungalow as well as in several other people's homes. We have discussions, presentations, language classes and hold trips and walks, among other things."

For the first 10 years it was a one-man operation, now he has since been joined by several others to help run it.

He said: "My biggest thought on this nomination is that this should be shared by the splendid volunteers without whom this could not go forward."

Anton has also been an elected director of the Hartcliffe and Withywood Partnership.

He set up the Malago Society in 1974, a local history society, and the Malago Valley Conservation Group.

On top of all this, he is an active member of Withywood Church and a recognised authority on the Smyth family of Ashton Court, following the publication of a series of books he wrote about them.