A VOLUNTEER from Cradley Heath has received a British Empire Medal for his services to charity and healthcare.

David Pearce, age 44, has donated money and huge quantities of Easter eggs to organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

He is a rider, fundraiser, secretary and trustee of the Midland Freewheelers Blood Bikes charity, which delivers blood, organs, x-rays and medicine to NHS hospitals.

Lord-lieutenant John Crabtree presented David with his medal at Birmingham Council House on Wednesday, September 12.

He said: "David has shown dedicated community spirit for many years and has preserved some outstanding heritage around West Bromwich.

"The world is a better place with people like David and we are keen to encourage more nominations across the West Midlands from the public to award often the unsung heroes."

David will be invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party next year in recognition of his award.