A man who set up a charity to help people get into work has been recognised by the King in the New Year’s honours list.

William Fletcher, from Clitheroe, has been awarded an MBE for services to disadvantaged communities.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been awarded MBE, by His Majesty King Charles III, for delivering social impact and for assisting vulnerable groups into employment.

“It’s particularly rewarding for me at this time, since I am in the process of linking back up with Steven Jackson OBE DL, to create even further support for people suffering the effects of homelessness, those needing rehabilitation and pastoral care.

“2023 should be a very interesting and energetic year and I am filled with a sense of pride with this honour.”

MORE: Further education leader awarded MBE 

MORE: Paramedic who attended shooting and floods is honoured

MORE: Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson receives CBE 

MORE: King's Police Medal for 27 year force veteran

MORE: British Empire Medal for River Ribble charity founder

MORE: Food bank founder awarded BEM for services to community

William, who grew up in Darwen and studied at Blackburn College, set up Recycling Lives, a Preston-based commercial recycling company, in May 2013.

The services helped to support the social welfare charity, helping vulnerable people to work their way back to independent living.

This included helping those who were facing homelessness or with a criminal record to get a job to help them get back on their feet.

In 2020, Will moved on from the company and has since set up Car.co.uk.

Car.co.uk is a business which sells and buys cars as well as helping people with their insurance and more.

The company helps the community in a similar way to Recycling Lives, providing training and job opportunities.

Will is hopeful that due his new business being nationwide that he will be able to help people across the country who are struggling in getting themselves on their feet for a multitude of reasons.