Leslie Sutton has been awarded the Order of Mercy for his long term voluntary work for BEN.

The Order of Mercy, founded in 1899, is an award conferred upon individuals for distinguished voluntary service to a charity.

Les, who lives in London, has been volunteering for BEN since the 1970s. In that time he has fulfilled lots of roles, many alongside his wife Heather. These include visiting BEN's care homes, sitting on the management board, welfare committee and visiting vulnerable people in their own homes.

"This is a very proud day for BEN. Les's contribution has been extraordinary. He has been part of the driving force to modernise the charity in the 1980s and continues to give us regular support in the grant making arm of the fund" said Fiona Gorman, BEN's Head of Welfare.

Les received his medal at The Mansion House in London, home of the Lord Mayor of London. Medals were presented by The Lord Mayor of London and Sir Robert Balchin, President of the League of Mercy. This year just 30 medals were awarded to people who had made an outstanding contribution to charity.