A JUSTICE champion has capped off his career with an industry award from Princess Anne for his work helping young people repay their communities.

Brian Kirkup leads the team of Durham County Council’s Youth Offending Service, overseeing thousands of hours of unpaid work each year and putting people on the path to a law abiding life.

Now, after dedicating almost two decades to working with young people, and just weeks before retirement, he visited St James’ Palace to receive a commendation from the Butler Trust.

“I feel extremely honoured and proud but would like to thank my colleagues who have worked with me and shared my vision,” said Brian, who has managed the service’s delivery team for the past four years. “As I approach retirement I feel privileged that I can finish my career by receiving this award.”

The council’s strategic manager for youth offending service, Gill Eshelby, praised Brian’s “leadership, creativity, commitment” and said: “Brian is someone who ‘gets things done’.”