A FORMER civil servant from Bolton has received national recognition for his volunteering efforts on behalf of the largest civilian occupational charity in the UK.

John Catterall has received the For You Volunteer Award for his work for The Charity for Civil Servants during the past six years.

Mr Catterall, aged 59, who has now retired from the civil service, received the award from the permanent secretary at the department for culture, media and sport and chairman of the charity, Sue Owen.

Farnworth-born Mr Catterall worked for the civil service for 40 years, mainly in the Bolton office of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Towards the end of his career he worked for Jobcentre Plus, finishing his career at the Darwen office.

“The Charity for Civil Servants does fabulous work for people who have fallen on hard times,” said former St Cuthbert’s High School pupil, Mr Catterall.

“I am lucky enough to be able to use my expertise and experience of the pensions and welfare system to help former civil servants in financial distress.”

Mr Catterall, who lives in Edgworth, is now an action team leader for the charity for the North of England.

The charity helps people who work or have worked for the civil service and their families by offering information, practical support and advice during their working lives and in retirement.

In 2013, more than 10,000 people in need were supported with advice, referral or financial assistance.

The charity relies on the support of current or former civil servants either through volunteering, fundraising or donating to carry out its work and there are currently more than 750 people volunteering.