A VOLUNTEER who works tirelessly for his community has been honoured with a national award.

Pensioner Alex Bain collected his 'Celebrating Older People Achievements' award at the Palace of Westminster.

Local MP Dari Taylor nominated Mr Bain, 72, on behalf of the Stockton Residents and Community Groups Association Limited (SRCGA), and attended the ceremony to see him collect the honour.

The Stockton South MP said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the awards ceremony and was pleased to see all the hard work Alex has been putting in over the years, finally being rewarded.

"Alex's work on behalf of the residents of Parkfield and Stockton has contributed immeasurably to many good causes, over a countless amount of years.

"These awards represent the hour upon hour that so many remarkable individuals, such as Alex, put in for causes they are so passionate about. The often thankless work that they carry out is crucial to so many people, and long may it continue."

Mr Bain is chairman of the Parkfield Mill Lane Neighbourhood Management Board, company secretary to SRGCA Ltd and sits on a number of grant panels.

He said he is keen for people to involved in local decision-making processes to ensure that their voices are heard.