A FUNDRAISER has been made an honorary member of the Merchant Navy.

Norman Evans MBE, 59, suffers from multiple sclerosis but gives up hours each week to fundraise by busking in Redcar High Street.

In return for the money he has raised for numerous good causes, including the Redcar and Dormanstown Branch of the Merchant Navy, Mr Evans has been presented with honorary membership and a badge.

The musician, who is married with four grown-up children, said: "I started suffering from multiple sclerosis when I was 16, so I couldn't join the armed forces.

"I'm really honoured to be a member now."

Mr Evans, who is also an honorary member of the British Legion, recently performed at the Kirkleatham Owl Centre, near Redcar, for the 73rd birthday of one of the Kirkleatham Almshouse's tenants.

He was given £200 by the pensioners for the performance and Mr Evans, who suffered a heart attack in May, donated £100 to the Owl House and £100 to the British Heart Foundation.

"I am eternally grateful for being alive," he said.

"You cannot pay anyone for saving your life but hopefully the money will be some help.

"I have got everything I want.

"Any more and the cup would be spilling over.

"The best medicine for me is all the wonderful friends I meet here on Redcar High Street."