“When I saw it, I thought it was a tax letter.”

This was the reaction of Brian Seddon, from Atherton, before he opened the envelope that revealed he had won a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List for his community work.

The former window cleaner and probation service supervisor has devoted the last 12 years to making a difference to the lives of people of all ages.

Brian, 76, said: “It was a big shock for me – I am absolutely delighted with it.

“I am just an ordinary guy from the Hag Fold estate. Things like this do not happen to us.”

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Selfless Brian first got involved in community events when he helped to organise Atherton Carnival in 2007, which he has played a pivotal role in since, along with his wife Eileen.

Among the groups he runs is a weekly community cafe at Dorset Road Community Centre and a youth club at Atherton Fire Station.

Brian also organises summer camps for children as well.

But he is quick to point out that he is part of a network of like-minded people who devote their spare time to helping others.

“Our events snowball into others,” Brian said.

“We all do our own little bit and it makes them run smoothly. That is why we we are so successful.”