A Keighley support worker has helped local community groups secure £120,000 in funding and other resources.

Shaun O’Hare’s efforts over the past 12 months have also helped set up up to eight new groups and two support networks. And he has provided advice to more than 130 community and voluntary groups across the Keighley constituency.

Mr O’Hare’s success as voluntary organisation support officer was revealed to Bradford Council’s Keighley Area Committee.

The committee heard that he had exceeded all the targets set by the council, which funds his part-time post.

Mr O’Hare, who is employed by Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action, regularly runs “health checks” for local organisations. He can advise on funding, legal and constitutional issues, partnership working, publicity, employment, business plans and organising management committees. A report to the area committee said that Mr O’Hare was increasingly helping voluntary groups deal with the effects of the recession and face up to changing economic circumstances.

The report said: “This has included extensive advice on formal and legal structures, income generation, funding opportunities and dissolution.

“He is increasingly encouraging groups to merge, pool resources and work closely together in order to reduce costs and sustain activity.”