Charity Stalwart Paul Banks Chosen As B&M’s ‘Local Hero’

A 55 YEARS OLD estates manager who completed a 500 plus mile sponsored trek for charity was chosen as the ‘Local Hero’ and VIP who officially opened the city’s new 10,000 sq ft B&M store at Chester’s Forum Shopping Centre last Friday.

Paul Banks, a 55-year old father and grandfather to two who lives in Bache, Chester, and who was nominated for the B&M honour by his wife Julie, was joined by the Sheriff of Chester Cllr Herbert Manley, for the official opening ceremony on Friday morning.

“I was shocked and delighted to be chosen but certainly didn’t expect it,” said Mr Banks. “Hopefully the attention will boost my charity work.”

Earlier this year Paul completed a 566 mile trek from France to Spain via the Pyrenees to raise more than £3,000 for dementia charities. He had been spurred on by the fact that an uncle had been struck by the potentially debilitating condition.

B&M’s new Chester store Manager Amanda Sullivan said: “I was delighted that Paul was chosen. He is a real local hero whose charitable efforts make him stand apart.

He received £250 worth of shopping vouchers as a thank you for his contribution to the opening.