A PENSIONER from Farnworth will be honoured by MP Brian Iddon on Tuesday for his outstanding voluntary work with the town's Witness Service.

Ray Maggin will join the Experience Corps for a special national award ceremony at the House of Commons on Tuesday, where his hard work with the Witness Service will be recognised.

The 68-year-old has been working with the service for three years and helps witnesses and victims at Bolton Crown Court through the traumatic experience of appearing in court.

He will travel to the awards ceremony tomorrow where he will be presented with a certificate from the Bolton South East MP.

Mr Maggin, from Ullswater Drive, dedicated the award to all volunteers who give up their time to help others. He said: "I'm pleased that I have been honoured, although I don't think it's a personal award for me alone.

"It's a very rewarding job, which can also be traumatic at times. Some of the witnesses and victims can be upset at times about appearing at court, so I try and calm them down and explain to them what the process is."

Bosses at Bolton Crown Court have heaped praise on Mr Maggin, and said that they have received dozens of letters of support which thank the pensioner for his efforts.

Susan Mills, manager of Bolton's Witness Service, said: "Ray is a very special kind of guy who is kind and understanding to witnesses who are sometimes very anxious about appearing in court. He listens and explains to them the process at court and sets their minds at rest."

Dr Iddon said: "I am delighted to be able to extend this invitation to Ray Maggin to join me at the House of Commons to recognise the hard work he has put into his work with the Witness Service.

"His name was suggested to me by the Bolton Volunteer Bureau who are also instrumental in providing support to my constituents when this is needed. Volunteers play an important role in our society and it is right that their hard work should be recognised."