A TEESSIDE volunteer has been honoured for his work in helping to create one of the region’s top nature reserves.

Stockton-based David Kitchen was recognised by Prime Minister David Cameron’s Points of Light award, for 17 years of work.

Mr Kitchen, chairman of the Teesside Environmental Trust, was presented with a bronze sculpture of a brown hare - a species which thrives at Saltholme, near Seaton Carew.

Since 1997, he has led Teesside Environmental Trust with the vision of turning the then brownfield site in the heart of industrial Teesside into a nature reserve. Saltholme, the wildlife reserve and discovery park, is the result of 17 years hard work and a strategic partnership with the RSPB, and attracts more than 80,000 visitors a year.

Dave Braithwaite, RSPB Site Manager at Saltholme said: “I can honestly say with absolute confidence that without David holding firm to the vision for Saltholme, and leading the TET Board through some challenging times, Saltholme would simply not exist today.

“Since opening in 2009, Saltholme has hosted nearly half-a-million visitors, taught 15,000 schoolchildren about nature, employed 30 staff and allowed more than 100 volunteers to enjoy productive experiences. Without David`s tenacity and commitment none of this would have been possible and Saltholme would not be the jewel in the crown of the Tees Valley.”

The Points of Light award is given to exceptional people who volunteer to make a positive change within their communities. It has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in America, which was founded by President George W Bush and now has the support of President Barack Obama.