A TIRELESS fundraiser and passionate volunteer said he was shocked and humbled to be named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Charles Jukes, of Dursley, has been awarded an MBE for services to the community, recognising the staggering amount of charity work he has done during his life, but particularly since he retired over 20 years ago.

He has raised thousands of pounds for the Rotary Cornea and Tissue bank in Bristol, which pioneered treatment that gives people their sight back, and has spent 27 years volunteering at the Dursley Open Door Club for the those with learning or physical disabilities.

Despite his obvious dedication to his charity work and passion for volunteering he modestly insists that he has only achieved the award thanks to the help of friends and family.

"When I opened the envelope from the cabinet office I was first astounded and then very humble," said Charles, 86.

"'Why me?' I asked, why not my wife who does so much good in the world?"

Both Charles and his wife Jean joined the Open Door Club, at Dursley Tabernacle Church, 27 years ago and still volunteer today, Jean as transport coordinator and Charles as fundraising officer.

When an officer at the district Rotary Club Charles got involved in the Corneal Transplant Service, acting as publicity officer for the treatment. When he got on board they performed about 50 operations a year, one year later it was over 1,000 and now 2,000 people a year are given their vision back thanks to the unit in Bristol.

Charles and a committee of volunteers raised thousands to pay for equipment at the unit. He also set up a support group for people undergoing the operation to put their mind at ease before having the treatment.

"Working with a number of the grateful patients were some of the happiest moments of my life," said Charles, a former senior officer for Customs and Excise.

"I also love working with young people, it keeps me and my wife young and active," he added. "We don’t do these things to gain awards, we do it because we want to and you get pleasure from it and a sense of satisfaction.

"I am just so grateful to the people who encouraged me into the work and got me where I am today."