A DEDICATED charity worker has been awarded the MBE.

Tom Ridyard received his award from Prince Charles and said the whole occasion was "wonderful".

The 73-year-old has retired but continues to work two days a week at Franking Sense in Astley Bridge carrying out maintenance jobs, as well as being the chairman of the Bolton District of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Daniel Gilbert, operations director of the firm which is based in the old Astley Bridge library, said: "Tom is very modest, but we are very proud of him here. He plays it down, but what he has done over the past 30 odd years is fantastic.

"My kids, who don't come into the office, know him from seeing him standing next to the town hall in all weathers.

"When it is raining and we are out shopping I try to run from shop to shop to keep dry, but Tom is there and doesn't mind, whatever the weather. The award was well deserved."

Mr Ridyard has volunteered for more than three decades, after being inspired by a childhood love of boats and life on the water.

He says he continues to find the work rewarding, and his wife Carmella has also become involved, recently taking over as branch treasurer succeeding Brian Thompson, who also received the MBE for his charity work.

Mr Ridyard said: "Sometimes people say: 'What's the point of lifeboats when the nearest river is so far away from Bolton?', but you just need to see what lifeboat workers do.

"I try to get on the water as often as possible, the nearest branch to Bolton is Lytham St Annes, and the work they do is incredible and saves lives, working with the police and the ambulance service.

"I don't do it for myself, it is all about raising money for them. If you went to the pub for a pint you wouldn't be able to pick out people who work on lifeboats, until their pager goes off and they sprint off.

"They are so dedicated, there are not many people like them."