The head of a borough homelessness charity has been honoured for his long service.

Emmaus Bolton CEO Tony Stephenson was presented with the Founders Medal at the organisation's national assembly.

The event was attended by more than 200 people from different Emmaus communities and groups from across the UK.

Mr Stephenson has led the charity for more than 13 years, during which time he has spearheaded schemes to improve housing and support for "companions", the term for the people helped by Emmaus.

Under his direction, Emmaus Bolton has also become a centre for social enterprise and community engagement.

Projects launched under Mr Stephenson's leadership include a recycling centre, which helps stock the shelves of a scrap store of recycled fabric and arts and crafts.

And this year, a charity ice-cream parlour, located in Emmaus Bolton's café.

The popularity of furniture making in Emmaus Bolton's workshops has reportedly surged, particularly among schools in Greater Manchester to which recommendations of Emmaus Bolton were made by the Bridgewater RHS.

Mr Stephenson also played a key role in securing funding for projects including the renovation of the charity's main shop roof, and in assisting families during the pandemic by waiving the fee for the charity's social supermarket - which continues to be free of charge to this day.

Mr Stephenson said: "I’m deeply humbled to receive this award.

"It’s a reflection of the incredible team at Emmaus Bolton and the inspiring resilience of the companions we support every day.

"Together, we’ve created a community that truly makes a difference."

Emmaus Bolton's charity shops and services off Fletcher Street in Bolton are open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

More information is available at emmaus.org.uk/bolton/