THE mastermind behind the Pioneer-run Your Champions awards has collected his MBE from Buckingham Palace.
Roy Jones, one of ScottishPower’s longest serving staff members, was recognised in the New Year Honours list for his services to young people.
Mr Jones, 56, has been at the forefront of a number of employability initiatives aimed at providing young people with the necessary skills and experience they need to gain employment.
Mr Jones, 56, celebrated 40 years of service with energy provider ScottishPower earlier this year.
He said: “I feel extremely honoured my work has been given such prestigious recognition. It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to shape these young people for the challenges that lie ahead and it is reward enough just seeing what difference a little guidance and advice can make.
“It is also important to acknowledge this award can really be attributed to the team effort that has enabled us to support these young people. All the community projects could not have been achieved without the support of all the staff at ScottishPower.”
Mr Jones, of Llay, Wrexham, has backed the Your Champions awards, which pay tribute to unsung community heroes and heroines who make a difference in the area.
His work has also included leading the Prince’s Trust programme through ScottishPower, as well as numerous other projects with young people over the years.
Ann Loughrey, head of corporate social responsibility at ScottishPower, said: “We are absolutely delighted for Roy and we would like to congratulate him on this fantastic achievement.
“He has dedicated so much of his life to encouraging young people to prosper and there could not be a more deserving person of this award.
“At ScottishPower we are committed to supporting young people and giving them the skills and experience they need to gain employment.
“Roy is a fantastic inspiration to the entire team, showing hard work can have a big impact on people’s lives.”
