HE’S the volunteering equivalent of Usain Bolt and, at 71, Dave Record shows no sign of slowing down.

Dave has just spent 11 days helping out at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and wants to encourage others to give something back.

Dave, from Abbey Road, in Hullbridge, has been volunteering for 50 years, putting in hours every week at both local and national events.

His vast experience led to him getting the call-up to the Glasgow games, where he watched Jamaican superstar Bolt claim gold with the Jamaican 4x100metre relay team.

Dave said: “It was great. I spent two days watching rugby.

“I was in the grandstand and watched everything. There were five days of athletics – it was a great experience.

“I have really enjoyed my volunteering work over the years, and my biggest reward is the satisfaction I’ve been able to help other people.

“My advice to anybody else who is thinking about volunteering is go for it! Offer your time and do as much as you can.

“If you see opportunities, take them. Once you’re in the system and willing to give up your time, you’ll get asked to help again and again.

“I can’t see myself giving up volunteering work for a very long time. As long as I can carry on, I will help.”

Dave dedicates a lot of his time to helping out at Rochford District Council events, including at its Wild Wood Days.

He was also a Games Maker at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, where he gave up his chance to watch the Games himself to help behind the scenes in the transport team.

Although this meant he missed watching many amazing moments, he did get to meet a hosts of dignitaries, including organisers, coaches and Olympic chiefs.

Dave, who lives with his wife Shirley, 67, has been involved in the Scouts for 53 years.

He also helped pioneer a community first responder scheme in Hullbridge, which has now been introduced nationwide.

As if all that wasn’t enough, Dave is chairman of the Rayleigh Folk Dance Club and vice-chairman of the Essex Folk Association and is a member of Active Rochford.

He added: “You don’t have to do set hours. There are lots of organisations where you can do an hour here or there. It’s all about putting something bac