A MINISTER who has taken his pulpit into the heart of the community to help the socially excluded has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

The Rev Raymond Williams is project manager of the Salford-based Bethel Community College which embraces a number of services.

The father-of-four is also manager of the Neighbourhood Support Fund which is closely linked to the project.

Mr Williams (38), of Chapel Road, Prestwich, has been awarded the MBE in recognition of his services to young people in Manchester and Salford.

Ordained as a minister by the Apostolic Ark Church in 1988, he helped establish the Bethel Community College three years ago with backing from a number of agencies and partners.

Mr Williams said: "The college is an educational facility, giving culturally sensitive provision to the local community with the emphasis on Afro Caribbean and other ethnic groups."

He added: "We deal with all types of young people from different backgrounds. We have a youth club, cinema club and homework club. And we cater for the elderly community, too," he added.

"I've not been looking for any acknowledgement, although I do appreciate the MBE. I'm still trying to work out who nominated me. But my wife won't say anything."