A partially-sighted bike mechanic who studies martial arts and Chinese culture, and has a popular line in lemon cherry cake, has been nominated as an unsung hero.

Martin Gale, 46, from Surbiton, has volunteered at the Eco-op centre in New Malden for four years, after moving from Manchester.

At his workshop he fixes unwanted bikes for the Eco-op to sell at low cost to people who need help getting around.

Mr Gale said he has repaired hundreds of bikes in his time there. He said: “For the past four years I have been going in, picking up a bike, fixing it, and picking up the next one.

“The money that is created by the sales of the bikes goes to the charity.”

He said his visual impairment does not hinder him, and can be an advantage, when he is able to diagnose by touch a problem hidden from view.

He said: “Most of the time I am working around the bike by feel. I can tell if something is wrong on a bike because of the sound it is making.

“It is not magic, but if you have do something for a while it becomes a knack.”

Mr Gale said after moving to the area he wanted to make himself useful as a volunteer.

He said: “I am not sitting at home doing nothing, at the end of the day.

“I find I am doing something worthwhile for myself, I am helping other people. At the other end you have the fact I am recycling something.”

Mr Gale also uses his baking skills to keep morale high at the Eco-op, bringing muffins and cakes to work.

Maria Dockrill, manager of Go Kingston Volunteering, said Mr Gale “goes over and beyond the call of duty.”

She said: “He is a real asset to the Eco-op. He does not let his disability stop him from getting involved with all sorts of things – he is a good all-rounder.

“It is because of volunteers like him we are able to do the work we do. He is a thoroughly nice chap.”

Do you know an unsung hero? Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4273 or email jon.sharman@london.newsquest.co.uk with your nomination.