A VOLUNTEER from South Cerney has reached the finals of VisitBritain’s Tourism Superstar award of 2017 and the final decision rests with you, the voting public.

Peter Jay, a volunteer with the Cotswold Water Park Trust for more than five years, was nominated for the award by VisitWiltshire, as someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Run in conjuncture with the Daily Mirror, Peter is one of 10 finalists shortlisted for this year’s award.

A collection of 150 lakes, the Cotswold Water Park is situated in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. Peter oversees 12 other volunteers, organises rotas and hires and nurtures new recruits. He is also always happy to cover shifts, especially Bank Holidays.

But Peter always goes that little step further, including helping visitors with punctures and tending to injured swans.

Along with his wife Jenny, Peter is usually found manning the information desk at the Gateway Visitor Centre.

Covering queries from where is the nearest cashpoint to where dogs are safe to go swimming – he is also known for tailoring his answers for each visitor, including which walking route to take based on their footwear.

Jill Bewley from the Cotswold Water Park Trust, who manages the Gateway volunteers, said: “Peter is so committed, enthusiastic, and good humoured.

“But above all, he is happy to go that extra mile to make sure that every visitor is armed with all necessary knowledge to enjoy their visit to the Cotswold Water Park. “Whether it is a half-hour dog walk around the lake, or a full week of activities for a family of six.

“But he will also help those in need, such as the lost car keys, the lost phone, the lady with the puncture, the injured swan etc.

“He will never give up on his quest to help people, and so we feel that by him gaining this award would be our way of saying thank you for the difference he has made.”

Speaking in a video on the VisitBritain website, Peter said: “I get a real buzz when I am helping 80-year-old stand-up paddle boarders or seven-year-old wannabe rally drivers.”

Sally Graff , of Cotswolds Tourism, said: “ The Cotswold Water Park Trust is a key working partner of the destination organisations of Visit Wiltshire and The Cotswolds and as a key attraction in the area it is wonderful that Peter is able to give all visitors both locals and visitors from further afield a very informative and friendly welcome.

"We will be actively supporting and promoting the public to vote for him as he really is a tourism superstar.”

Visit visitbritain.org/tourism-superstar for further information and voting.