A former Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen was presented with an honorary doctorate in Mauritania to recognise his charitable work in the country.

Salim Mulla who is the founder of the Blackburn based Aid 4 Ummah charity received the award from city mayor Bah O Sid’Ahmed of Ayoun al Atrous, a town in southern Mauritania.

Mr Mulla said: "I am incredibly proud to have been awarded honorary doctorates for the work i cherish and enjoy.

"Honorary doctorates are given for outstanding work, it is to honour distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to a specific field of work or society.

"The award was presented and granted in the town hall."

The Mayor of Ayoun said: "Our honorary doctorate is given to role models who have transformed the lives of so many people in our country, Mr Mulla is one such person, his hard work especially in the Desert area of our country is significant achievement."

Mr Mulla said: "I love helping people and putting a smile on people faces. I have always put communities and people first.

"I have always wanted to contribute in changing people lives."

During his period as Mayor, among other campaigns, Mr Mulla raised money for the Kidney Care Appeal to purchase dialysis machines for the Emergency Casualty department at Royal Blackburn Hospital.