Volunteer worker Mike Robbins has a vision – he wants to see the quality of life for Hartcliffe residents improve.

Now Mr Robbins' efforts have been recognised with a nomination for a Bristol University centenary degree.

He is now in the running to receive one of the four special degrees, which will be bestowed by the university this summer to honour individuals for extraordinary service to their community.

Mr Robbins, 56, grew up in south Bristol and says when he was a youngster there were many more activities for young people, the area felt safe and there was a good neighbourly spirit.

After troubles in his own life, including cannabis use, he moved to Bedminster for a while before returning to Hartcliffe, a reformed man with big hopes of helping other people in the area.

He said: "I have this vision for the estate, where people are diverted away from drugs and anti-social behaviour. I really want to see improvements for the people who live here."

Over the last decade he has done lots of volunteer work, starting with the Hartcliffe Tackles Drugs project before becoming a driving force behind another drugs project, HAWKS (Hartcliffe and Withywood Kick Start), where he is now a trustee and director.

Mr Robbins said: "I think many of the kids respond to me because of my history with drugs. A lot of them have stopped using cannabis since I started to get to know them. Some of them have even started volunteering themselves."

Mr Robbins has also helped to set up the South Bristol Boys football club, and two years ago he set up a fishing project which he still runs for about 50 young local people.

He said: "While they are with me, I try to get them not to smoke, swear or drink. I try to show them there's a better way."

He added: "It can be difficult at times, but I stick with it because I really want to make a difference. Some of these kids are the grandchildren of people I grew up with. Being nominated has given me a real lift and drive to keep going."

If you want to help out with any of the projects mentioned, email Mr Robbins or call him 07884 145098.

The first nominee for a Bristol University's people's degree was Dennis Stinchcombe, who runs the Broad Plain Boys Club.

If want to nominate someone for a Bristol University centenary degree, email us why in 250 words.