A “SELFLESS” community champion has returned triumphant to Wantage with a British Citizen Award (BCA) to his name.

Ray Collins, 46, has raised £28,000 for charity in the last 12 months alone and has a plethora of good deeds spanning 10 years to his name.

On Thursday he joined 32 other medallists at a grand ceremony in the Palace of Westminster, London, compered by English actor Larry Lamb.

Each one received a medal of honour inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’. Medal winners can also use the initials BCA after their name.

Alison Eddy, managing partner of BCA sponsors Irwin Mitchell, who presented Mr Collins with his award, said: “There are so many people doing life-changing things in our communities and it is time they were recognised.

“I’m so proud that Irwin Mitchell are supporting these awards and was personally very honoured to present Ray with his.”

The BCAs are awarded twice annually and recognise “everyday” people whose work to positively impact society might otherwise be overlooked.

The winners are chosen from public nominations by a panel of independent assessors.

Over the past 10 years Mr Collins, who by day manages Peter Ledbury electricals shop in Wantage, has organised four Wantage Race for Life events to raise up to £30,000 for Cancer Research UK.

He has also put on Christmas and Easter lunches for less fortunate people in the community and organised three Wantage Carnivals, proceeds from which went to Oxford learning disability charity Yellow Submarine, The Fourteen Club social club for people with disabilities in Wantage and the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.

Speaking after the ceremony, 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.

“The satisfaction of helping others is enough of a reward for me. It’s really nice when someone pats you on the back and says well done.”