Pride of Britain: The fundraising tattooist with a foodbank at the back of his parlour

We have been asking for your nominations for people in our region that go the extra mile to help others and raise money for charity.

Four individuals have been shortlisted for the chance to become the Midlands finalist for the Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser of the Year.

Jason Powner is well known in Stoke on Trent for his charitable works, having raised thousands for local good causes.

Every year he delivers around 600 Christmas presents to families in need, and for the last five years he and his staff run a foodbank from the back of his tattoo studio.

Jason told ITV News Central: "When people come in on a daily basis for food, I know they are struggling, because you wouldn't ask for food if you didn't need it.

"I know when I was growing up we didn't have food banks. We struggled as a family, so I know how it feels and what its like. So for me to give a little back, its just great to be able to do that."

Earlier this year, a 13-year-old local lad Ryan Evans drowned swimming in open water at a nearby beauty spot.

Jason immediately contacted Ryans father Glynn to offer his help. He raised £22,000 in just two weeks.

The money paid for Ryan's funeral costs and helped support his family in the months after his death.

"The whole of Stoke on Trent felt the same. It was tragic news, a little lad," Jason said.

"I was just glad we could do something for Glynn and Ryan's little brother.

They haven't got to worry about bills for a bit, which you don't want to be doing when you've just lost your son. No one budgets for a 13-year-old's funeral do they?"

Jason credits the people Stoke on Trent for their generosity in helping him to help others.

He has just organised an auction in aid of a five-year-old Jessica, who is undergoing treatment for leukaemia.

Jason says he will continue to help others in his local community for as long as he can.