AN ELECTRICALS shop manager who has dedicated 10 years to helping his community has been recognised with a national honour.

Charity champion Ray Collins has been selected to receive a British Citizen Award (BCA) for his services to the community.

The BCAs were launched last January to recognise “exceptional individuals” who make a positive impact on society.

Mr Collins, 46, of Wantage, is one of the best-known faces in the town, and raised £28,000 for good causes last year alone.

The Springfield Road resident has dedicated the past decade to helping his neighbours through fundraising activities and supporting the less fortunate.

For three years he has organised Ray’s Race for Life – a run, walk and bike ride around the town – which up to 500 people join each year raising money for Cancer Research UK.

These events alone have raised some £30,000 in four years.

Starting in 2014, Ray has cooked Christmas and Easter lunches for the lonely.

This Christmas Day, with help from a team of volunteers, he served up a banquet to 45 people at Wantage Day Centre, an increase of 10 people on the year before.

Every summer he organises Ray’s Wantage Carnival, attended by thousands of people, raising more money for local and national charities.

Mr Collins is one of 33 people who will receive their BCA at the Palace of Westminster on January 28.

Each will receive a medal of honour inscribed with the words For the Good of the Country.

Mr Collins said: “I consider myself an ordinary person, who likes to help people, and get involved in fundraising events.

“Just someone who wants to make a difference – that’s how I would sum myself up.

“The satisfaction of helping others is enough of a reward for me, but of course it’s really nice when someone pats you on the back and says: ‘Well done’.

“I have turned down awards previously, as it’s never been about that for me. I get a lot of help and support in my work from so many people, but it is nice to have been recognised.”

Mr Collins also raises money for the Sweatbox youth club in Wantage and last year organised an aid collection for Calais refugees and a day trip to the seaside for some of his friends at Wantage Day Centre.

He was nominated for the BCA by his friend Nicky Rutter.

Mrs Rutter said: “I have only known Ray for three years, but I have never met anybody so passionate and selfless. The money Ray has raised is not to be sniffed at – £28,000 in the past year alone – but the support for this man in the community is massive.”