THE friends and family of a well-known member of the local community are rallying together to support his "final chapter".

Audie Sellars, a former traffic warden and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in Malton, has a rare form of cancer which is now terminal.

The 59-year-old helped create the Malton and Norton Skatepark and was commended by North Yorkshire Police in recognition of his commitment and service to the communities of the two towns.

One of this two sons, who is also called Audie, said: "My dad is a much-loved member of our local community. Sadly he has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and over the last 10 months he has had to endure a torrid time trying to fight this terrible disease, which has left him with a daily struggle just to get by.

"Unfortunately, his cancer has now come back after enduring painful operations and disfigurements to his chest and face.

"His cancer is now terminal so his family thought we would try and raise some money for him to be able to enjoy his last months doing one or two things he always wanted to do but never had the funds or opportunity."

Audie said he and the rest of the family, including brother Shane and sister Donna, hoped the money raised would give his dad and mum, Carol, the opportunity to spend some time together.

"The main thing we wanted to do was give dad the freedom to do what he wanted and maybe have a break away with mum, as well as spending quality time with his family," he said.

"Dad was strict with us at times when we are growing up, but he has always been a cracking dad. This has come as a huge shock to us all and shows how fragile life is."

PC Jane Jones, of Malton Police, said: "I worked with Audie for more than 11 years as the local officers for Malton and Norton and he took pride in his role as a PCSO and was respected by the local community.

"He had a good rapport with the local youths as he spent a lot of time in the skatepark and Orchard Fields talking to them.

"When he left his job as a PCSO he was very missed by everyone at Malton Police Station and members of the public missed him too.

"He had a lot of respect for his job and really enjoyed what he did. Then the bad news arrived and we were all really shocked.

"I would like to think we can support Audie and his family along his final chapter. I would like to see a bench with a plaque with his name on so he will never be forgotten in the town."

A quiz night is being held at Chapter Two, Market Place, Malton, on Thursday, March 23, at 8pm, in aid of Audie's final chapter. Entry is £2 and there will also be a raffle.

Anyone who would like to support Audie and his family can do so at crowdfunder.co.uk/audies-final-chapter. Donations can also be left at Malton Police Station.