Published: Wednesday, 10th June, 2009 2:07pm

Jim is Renfrew's Citizen of the Year

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A LOCAL champion who helped make Renfrew a better place with a lifetime of community involvement has been honoured as Citizen of the Year.

Hardworking community figure Jim McQueen, 73, took over from last year"s winner Sheila Todd when he was recognised at Renfrew Town Hall on Friday night.

The long-time resident of Fulbar Street became a member of his ward committee at the young age of 18 and has been championing the town and its communities ever since.

Jim was elected to Renfrew Community Council and before long, his business expertise was recognised.

After serving his time in national service at sea, Jim had set up his own business, the Renfrew Heating Company, and later took up the reins of his family engineering business when his uncle retired. The community council appointed him treasurer, a position he held until he retired many years later.

During his period as treasurer, Jim - who is now 73 - kept a steady hand on the tiller and steered the council safely through the Renfrew 600 celebrations.

Jim said: 'The highlight for me was the pipe band championship at the Renfrew 600 celebrations. I was one of the organisers.'

The Renfrew man received a Commendation Certificate from Renfrew Community Council in 2004 in recognition of his unstinting good work on behalf of others. Jim was also president of the Renfrew YMCA, a trustee of the Paisley YMCA and a member of the Renfrew Owners and Occupiers" Federation.

He is currently working hard as the treasurer of the Friends of Renfrew, a deputy member of the Renfrew and Gallowhill Local Area Committee and an elder in Renfrew Trinity Church.