A YORK pensioner was the toast of a star-bash at York Racecourse.

Seventy-five-year-old Lionel Crossley picked up the BBC Community Service Person Of The Year award at the Heart Of Yorkshire Awards 2004 yesterday for his work with the Sea Cadets.

Over the years, Chief Petty Officer Crossley has taught hundreds of youngsters and adults who have gone through the ranks of the Sea Cadets in York.

He was presented with his award by BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration at a ceremony organised by the Variety Club Of Great Britain and BBC Yorkshire.

The 300 guests at the ceremony included Hull-born actress Maureen Lipman, who received the Lifetime Achievement award, and novelist Jilly Cooper, who was brought up in Ilkley, and scooped the 2004 Media Award.

Updated: 08:43 Saturday, July 31, 2004