A LOVING and caring granddad from Andover who has dedicated his life to charity work has been crowned winner of The Advertiser’s Father’s Day competition.

John Cockaday, 76, from Vigo Road has won a £50 voucher after receiving the most votes.

A former Test Valley Borough Councillor, John supports Mencap and The Countess of Brecknock Hospice, and also runs a club in his neighbourhood for people aged above 50.

Delighted about the prize, John told The Advertiser that the nomination itself was a big surprise as he had no clue about it.

He said: “We have the paper delivered at home. I was looking through the pages and I told my partner that ‘there’s a picture of me in here’. That was the first time I knew about it. I hadn’t got a clue about it.

He added: “I was quite pleased because that was a good photo. It got all six kids in it.”

John moved to Andover from Southampton more than 30 years ago.

A coachbuilder by trade, he has worked at various firms during his career. He has also been involved with different charities during his professional life.

He has been retired for nine years and now volunteers in the community.

A man who is willing to try anything to help a charity, John has done bungee jumping to skydiving for cancer research, and visited Kenya in a mission to build houses for Africa.

But, one adventure he regrets not have done yet is wing walking, which he believes he can still do.

“If it’s for charity, I don’t mind taking it up,” John said with confidence

His partner Iris Andersen is a current Test Valley Borough Councillor.

John has six children, five daughters and a son.

His daughter Amy Attril, who nominated him for the contest, told The Advertiser that her dad is always willing to go above and beyond.

She said: “He is loving, caring, very funny with a good sense of humour. If anyone needed any help, he would be there to help them.

“Even if I’m stuck on a DIY project, I would call my dad and he would be there in no time.”

Amy added that she sent his nomination to show how much his children appreciate him.

“He has always been there to help us.

She said: “When I saw the ad on paper to send nominations, I thought it is a good way to show him how much we love and appreciate him.”

The competition was a joint venture with The Advertiser’s sister title, The Basingstoke Gazette.

John will get a £50 voucher from the Basingstoke Gazette and Andover Advertiser team.