THE Queen's representative made a special visit to Bury yesterday to present the borough's first Man of the Year with his MBE.

Mr Ainslie Dures, who is seriously ill with cancer, received the royal award in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in recognition of his services to the voluntary sector.

The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Col Sir John Timmins, presented Mr Dures (72) with the honour in a private family ceremony at Bury Hospice.

His wife, Joy, (65) said: "I am so proud of Ainslie. He was looking forward to travelling to Buckingham Palace to receive the award in October, but all the family shared in the honour."

Mrs Dures, of Greymont Road, Bury, added: "Bury Hospice has been marvellous. It suggested that the Lord Lieutenant visit Ainslie and present him with the award."

The-father-of-five first entered the voluntary sector ten years ago, after suffering a heart attack. He became a member of Bury Heartcare Support Group, which led to a position on the Council for Voluntary Services and on to Bury Elders Forum as vice-chairman, which he helped set up six years ago.

He is best know for his endless campaigning on behalf of the elderly, which has made both local and national headlines. This year, Mr Dures was voted Bury's first Man of the Year, in a contest organised by Bury Hospice.