COMMUNITY champion Brian Myers says he is accepting his MBE on behalf of the people of his town.

The 60-year-old has been recognised for his services to the community in Willington in the New Year Year honours.

A grandfather of two, he has been instrumental in establishing several projects to improve the lives of residents of the former mining community.

A member of Durham County Council and former Wear Valley District councillor, he is also chairman of Willington Community Partnership.

Among the projects he is most proud of is helping reopen a doomed bank as an information and learning centre. When he learned that the town's Barclay's Bank was going to close he approached the company, who agreed to sell the building at a knock-down price. He also played a major part in transforming Sunnybrow Chapel, which was hit by an arson attack in 1992. Supporters raised £28,000 to gut the chapel and turn it into a community building.

Coun Myers heard he had received the award six weeks ago but kept it a closely-guarded secret, telling only his wife of nearly 40 years, Alice.

He said: "I was completely surprised - humbled is the word I think

"I was thrilled to receive it and I feel I'm receiving it on behalf of the local people because at grass roots level it's the local people who make things happen.

"People like myself are just a vehicle, for want of a better expression, for making it happen. I feel that nothing could have been done without their help and support."