A TIRELESS charity fundraiser has received a national award in recognition of his contribution over the years.

Bus driver Bill Burgess was named an Honorary Fellow of Cancer Research UK at the charity’s annual Flame of Hope Awards held in London.

The 60-year-old, from Stanley, was honoured for his “unflinching loyalty and dedication shown to the cause over many years”.

Thirty years ago, Mr Burgess set up the charity’s Stanley Local Committee following the death of his mother and sister to the disease.

Despite currently having just six members, the group has since raised £280,000 for the charity and, to mark the committee’s 30th anniversary, he set the challenge of raising £30,000 in just 12 months and has achieved just that.

Janet Leafe, Local Fundraising Manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “Bill often finishes work late, but he still finds the time to hold the committee meetings in the evening.

“He is passionate about Cancer Research UK and goes above and beyond to promote the charity and its work in the local area.

“As well as the Flame of Hope award, he also recently won a community award for his work and such is his dedication and generosity he donated his £1000 prize to Cancer Research UK.”