MICHAEL Worton, who runs a charity to tackle the on-going tragedy of the Chernobyl disaster, has been awarded an MBE for his efforts.

Since setting up Chernobyl 2000 with his wife Mo the Elmley Castle man has taken tons of aid to Belarus and improved the lives of thousands of people.

Over the eight years since he founded the charity, Mr Worton (pictured left) has organised a dozen convoys of trucks laden with supplies such as medicine, clothes and wheelchairs. In the last mercy mission, which left Evesham last year, 12 trucks made the journey to the impoverished and contaminated Eastern European country.

"I was gobsmacked when I heard about the MBE," he said. "I couldn't believe that a chap like me could get close to something like this."

He added that the real benefit of the award, which will be presented at Buckingham Palace later this summer, would be to the charity, not himself. "I hope that the three little letters after my name will help to open new doors for the charity that as 'Mr Nobody' are hard to get a foot into."

Mr Worton said that the necessity of helping people in the affected areas of Belarus was as great now as ever. He also said that he was keen to give talks to Vale and Cotswold groups and societies about the work of his charity. For information call him on 01386 710183.