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

The 60-year-old has been honoured for his services to the community in Willington, County Durham.

A grandfather-of-two, he has established 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 condemned bank as an information and learning centre. When he learnt that the town's Barclay's bank was to close, he approached the company who agreed to sell the building at a reduced price.

He also played a major part in transforming Sunnybrow Chapel, which was damaged in an arson attack in 1992.

Supporters raised £28,000 to turn the chapel into a community building.

Councillor Myers heard he had received the award six weeks ago but kept it a closely guarded secret.

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."