A BOXING coach who has spent the last five years building a club to get children off the streets has been given a British Empire Medal.

Alex Oliver, from Meadowfield, near Durham, was named in the New Year’s Honour lists and received his medal at an event at his club’s new gym.

Mr Oliver is head coach at Brandon Boxing Club and also raises money for local charities, including Trinity School Durham, where his daughter Kara-mai is a pupil.

He said: “I’m massively overwhelmed by it all. It’s fantastic. I’m deeply honoured but I want to mention all the other coaches and my family. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do it and keep it going. It’s a great time for us with the new gym.”

He was presented the medal by Lord-Lieutenant Sue Snowdon at the new facility at Brandon Sports Centre, which is due to open on Monday.

Mr Oliver and his family will travel to London later in the year for a garden party.