A FAMILIAR Christchurch figure has been honoured for the fund-raising work he has carried out during the past four years.

Michael John has been selling British Heart Foundation badges outside the charity's Christchurch High Street shop since he left school.

Now he has been made British Heart Foundation Young Volunteer of the Year.

Michael, who is now 22 and lives in Chestnut Road, Burton, has learning disabilities.

But that has not stopped him turning up, wind, rain or shine, for five hours every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

His diligence, enthusiasm, humour and sunny smile has made him a popular and respected member of staff.

Shop manager Sonia Jones made the surprise presentation to Michael on Friday.

Congratulating him on winning the national honour she said: "It's a prestigious award and it's for all your hard work and for all the money you've raised for the British Heart Foundation.

"It's been wonderful.

"I can't thank you enough for all your hard work four days a week. You sell more badges than anybody."

Asked why he did it, Michael said: "I make a difference to people's lives."

The framed certificates will take pride of place in his bedroom, he said.

His mother, Jan, said Michael went to the charity shop for work experience in 2000 and had returned as a volunteer in 2001, gradually increasing his hours to the current 20 a week.

In between times, he has completed a course at Brockenhurst College, learning language skills, personal skills, cookery, drama and art.

In addition he has just been made a helper at Burton Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club, which meets at the village youth centre in Sandy Plot.

First published: October 18