Today we profile PETER CLIFTON, who volunteers for the Children’s Society in Oxford, which gives educational and parenting support to refugees, asylum seekers and new migrants.

As a volunteer Mr Clifton provides that educational support and mentoring. He has been married to Anne for 47 years and has four children and seven grandchildren.

Mr Clifton, 75, from Stonesfield, was rewarded with Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action’s volunteer award.

He said: “I feel I’m carrying the banner for the work that lots of Oxford people like me have done in helping immigrant children to master our language.”

How did you become involved with it?

The Children’s Society in Oxford ran an advertisement for volunteers in your paper when I moved here with my wife.

It was something that I had so much wanted to do, and here was the chance to do it. I was an evacuee to the USA from 1940 to 1945, and I know the stresses of separation from family for children and what it is to be plunged into a different culture. But it was easier for me – at least they speak the same language!”

How long have you been involved with it?

Since 2005.”

What does the charity mean to you?

It means care for children to the highest standards. Because of those standards I knew how to approach the help I give and my meetings with the Society and other volunteers keep me focussed, motivated and always learning.”

How has it made a difference to your life?

I’ve met teachers whose dedication is really encouraging, and the contact with young people has reduced my old codger tendency.

What do you do for a living and how does your volunteering affect it?

I’m retired and a member of a writers’ cooperative called 3Score. I used to work as a market research manager.Volunteering keeps everything in a proper balance.

Happiest moment in volunteering?

This poem put together during the snows by a Kashmiri girl student: In summer the sun shines The birds sing a silly song And the shop sign says ‘Open’ In winter it starts getting cold And white things fall from the sky The snow shuts the shop and the school Saddest moment in volunteering?

Volunteers offering help like mine confront the sadness by helping with skills. There are sad moments, but we won’t let them be an excuse for giving up.”