MBE for charity worker

William McLachlin (56) from Wellesley Drive in Blackwood has helped to raise a staggering £1.3 million for good causes by rallying colleagues at BAE Systems in Yoker.

Principally Mr McLachlin is more concerned with matters relating to health and safety at the Yoker based yard once known as Yarrows - but he is also the firm’s Charity Challenge co-ordinator.

He has had the difficult task of keeping the award a secret after receiving a very important piece of correspondence at his work some five weeks ago. And he admits that the contents left him stunned.

“I got a letter from the Cabinet Office at my work and a female colleague had to ask me if something was wrong,” said William who is a past president of Palacerigg Golf Club.

‘‘I was stunned - I started to shake. I felt like crying- it was actually very emotional,” he said.

“You don’t raise money for charity to get that kind of recognition but I was absolutely delighted,” he added.

Mr McLachlin will receive his award at Buckingham Palace within the next six months.