The prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) has been awarded to a man from Dorset for his volunteer and charity work.

Richard Burnett will be honoured at the Palace of Westminster in recognition of his extraordinary contributions, having raised hundreds of thousands of pounds over 27 years.

He will receive the award on January 18 for Services to Volunteering and Charitable Giving where he will be coveted a BCA Medal of Honour and invited to use the letters BCAv after his name as a legacy of his achievements.

The BCA, in partnership with One Stop, is now in its 10th year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities throughout the country.

Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’, this programme recognises true community heroes for their divergent endeavours and positive impact on society.

Among his achievements, in 2017/18 Richard took on the Rotary Dorset Bike Ride, founded in 2010, when the original organisers could no longer manage the event, with funds going to Cancer Research UK. More than £300,000 has been raised so far.

Richard also cooked for 20 people at his home to raise funds for Ukraine. He cooks at Cherry Tree Nursery, in Bournemouth, which caters for people with mental illness. He organised a sit-down lunch for 300 people to celebrate the late Queen’s Jubilee, which he provided free of charge.

Stephanie Wood, from BCA partner One Stop, said: “This year’s medallists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during such a challenging time.

“At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need.

"We’re proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medallist to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all honourees.”

The medal presentation will be hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, and attended by BCA patrons Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia.

The awards were established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society.

Each medallist is presented with their BCA at the Palace of Westminster by Senior Representatives from official partners One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, Objective HR and Uniserve, which all support the programme.

Medallists then board an open-top lap of honour tour provided by Big Bus London, before attending a certificate presentation at the prestigious Church House to complete their recognition.

The medal presentation is held twice a year, to nominate an outstanding individual from your community to be considered for The People’s Honours visit www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk.