A devoted father who single handedly raised his three sons and helps other dads bond with their children has been nominated as Parent of the Year.

The nomination was a double delight for 41-year-old Keith Preddie who found on Father’s Day he had won a GMTV competition to find Britain’s Best Dad.

The father of Michael, 23, Aaron, 20, Ryan, 12, and step-daughter, Amber 10, was nominated by his boss. He works at The Family Centre in New Addington, where he has started an innovative Dad’s group, giving men the opportunity to bond with their children and learn positive parenting techniques.

His nomination read: “Keith qualified last year in Care, Learning and development NVQ level 3, and run's our community crèche one day a week.

“The children love him, he is a fantastic role model, who is totally committed and dedicated to his job.”

The Dad, who is a godfather to 20 other children, said: “I have never won anything in my life, it is so surreal because I did not enter the competition. It was all a complete surprise.

“Being a parent is my job every day, it is nice to be recognised.

“Me and my boys are really close. I raised them the best I could, they are fantastic.”

Keith’s children certainly see him as their champion and they showered him with home made gifts on Father’s day. He was also surprised with visits from a number of his god children.

The father, who is marrying his new partner Emma in just three months, said: “The best thing a parent can do is be there for their children, people say you cannot be a parent and a friend but I think you can do both to a degree.

“You have got to be consistent and be there for your children through the good times and the bad times. You created them and they are your responsibility.

“I have sacrificed lots of things to make sure that my children have always been provided for and taken care of.”

Keith said the most important thing about his nomination was to show people “there are good male role models out there.”

Every week we feature a nominee for a Croydon Champions award in our newspaper. A shortlist of nominees will be drawn up in the autumn and winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony.

Is your Dad a hero? Is there no one else like your mum or guardian? Nominate them for a Croydon Champions award.