Dear Editor,
I wanted to say a huge congratulations to you on being awarded the MBE which is very well deserved.
The range of ways you have contributed to the community is very wide, but I wanted to say a particular thank you for your work in creating better opportunities for the town’s young people. Growing up in Newton Aycliffe, I was lucky enough to be involved in the Interact Club you were instrumental in setting up.
I saw first-hand your commitment to young people through Interact, the Youth Centre and through your regional leadership of Rotary. Over the years, your commitment to these projects and many others, has given me and other young Newtonians fantastic opportunities we would never otherwise have had.
Throughout this, you’ve given your time with modesty, kindness and unstinting good humour. Your tireless service to the community is a credit to our town and I’m absolutely delighted that your outstanding work has been recognised with a national honour.
Alan Strickland
Former Newton Aycliffe resident, now Councillor and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, London Borough of Haringey