A MILFORD Haven volunteer who spends his spare time helping unemployed people get online has been named Inspirational Volunteer at the Communities 2.0 awards, held in Cardiff last week.

Ian Harland is an ex-pub landlord who has been volunteering at Milford Haven library while looking for a job himself.

He has been a Communities 2.0 Digital Champion since August 2013, and mainly supports Job Centre Plus clients in getting online.

He has built up a good reputation, and new clients come in and ask for him specifically because they have been told by friends and family about his excellent teaching skills and knowledge of the topic.

Now, he has been recognised for his supportive nature and excellent teaching skills at the Communities 2.0 awards, ceremony hosted by TV presenter Maggie Philbin.

Ian said he was shocked to find out he had been shortlisted, adding: “Reaching the final three is an achievement in itself and to win overall is totally amazing and unexpected.”

Presenting the award, Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty said: “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to hear so many positive examples of digital inclusion support during the Communities 2.0 awards.

“Over the lifetime of the programme, its staff, partners and volunteers have helped more than 59,000 individuals across Wales to save money, search for work and improve their lives through digital technologies.

“I would like to congratulate Ian Harland on his well-deserved award and for his achievements in supporting others to become digital included through his work as a volunteer.

“Building on the legacy of Communities 2.0 and improving digital inclusion across Wales will enable even more people to access the benefits of being online.”

Communities 2.0 is a Welsh Government programme that is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The awards acknowledge and celebrate individuals, organisations and partnerships that have made the best of the opportunity to work with Communities 2.0 and help create a more digital Wales.