HE has dedicated himself to the community and now Nat Biney has been recognised for the work he does.

Mr Biney has received the best community leader award in the MBE Improver Awards, which promotes international leadership amongst the black community.

Mr Biney, aged 71, was nominated by members of the African Community Association of Bolton, of which he is the chairman.

The award ceremony was held at the Irish World International Centre in Manchester.

Mr Biney, who lives in Deane, said: “I am extremely thankful to the organisers and highly honoured to receive this remarkable award for the recognition of the good services to my community.

“I would like to thank community members and friends who travelled across UK to support me during the award ceremony.

“Lastly and not the least, I wish to thank my beautiful and proud family sincerely for their full support and encouragement.”

In 2014 Mr Biney won an award of excellence for his services. He has served as a magistrate in Bolton and leads the celebrations for black history month every year, organising activities within schools to highlight the many achievements of the African community.

Her has also been a school governor and served on the boards of different organisations in Bolton, including Bolton CVS, Bolton Racial Equality Council and Bolton Arts Forum.

He said: “I hope these awards will inspire others to sacrifice their time to offer help to those vulnerable in our community.”

“I enjoy serving the community, I have had an opportunity to meet different people and have met a lot of influential people.”