FORMER Prestwich journalist Don Hale was honoured at a recent awards ceremony in Manchester.

Mr Hale, who used to be the editor of the Bury Messenger, was presented with the Lifetime Difference Award at the Big Difference Awards held at the Palace Hotel.

Organised by the The Big Life Company, the awards celebrate the work of businesses and individuals in their community.

Mr Hale's award, sponsored by the North West Development Agency, is specifically for people who have made a lasting impact on society and is in recognition of his investigation and campaigning for the release of people wrongly convicted of crimes.

His most famous success was the release of Stephen Downing who spent 27 years in jail for a murder he didn't commit.

Mr Hale said: "I was surprised and delighted to be nominated for, and then to win, a Big Difference Award.

"These awards recognise the hard work and commitment of so many unsung heroes and it was an honour to be counted among them."

Fay Selvan, chief executive of The Big Life Company, said: "It's inspiring to see so many people and businesses dedicated to making a difference to their local community."