A GRANDFATHER, who has dedicated over four decades to helping his local community, has been commended with a prestigious award.

Wayne Knowles, aged 58, of Little Hulton, will be awarded a British Citizen Award for his contribution in setting up and running Great Britain’s longest-running voluntary established martial arts club, the British Freestyle Karate Academy.

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January, 2015, with the purpose of recognising exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society. BCAs are awarded twice annually, and honour people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.

Mr Knowles said: “It was quite a shock to be honest. It’s also quite humbling, getting an award just for doing something that I love. I’m quite proud.”

He says he first fell in love with martial arts aged just 11. He gained his first black belt in karate aged 17.

From training at his local community centre, he began working at Greenheys Youth Club as a senior youth club leader, a role in which he continued for nine years before running the karate club.

Running the longest martial arts club in Great Britain has not been easy however.

Mr Knowles explained that the original home in Salford was demolished due to building developments. The second home was broken into, forcing the club to close for a while, before settling at their current home at Guild Hall, Little Hulton.

He said: “It’s the community spirit within the club. The most pleasing thing for me is when someone brings along a 12-year-old and then they leave for whatever, they come back all grown up with their kids. That’s what I like, the community comes back.”

Mr Knowles, who has two sons, a daughter, and nine grandchildren, added: “People come along, and they have a laugh, there’s all aspects of life. Everyone’s equal.”

He is one of 36 medallists who will be honoured the ceremony on January 25, at the Palace of Westminster.