A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) sergeant has received his British Empire Medal (BEM) for his outstanding charity work in Oldham.

Sergeant Damieon Hartley–Pickles was awarded the medal during a ceremony at Gorton Monastery earlier this week.

The ceremony was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and the Mayor of Oldham.

Sgt Hartley-Pickles began fundraising for various hospices around the North West, before dedicating much of his time to the Oldham youth charity, Mahdlo, which supports underprivileged young people in the borough.

He has also raised £25,000 for the Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham, who provide specialist care for adults with non-curable, life-limiting illnesses, by running a total of five marathons, 42 half marathons and 12 10K runs with his trusty wheelbarrow in toe.

He also went on to complete an Everest Base Camp Climb which raised £16,000.

Sgt Hartley-Pickles previously said: "I am so honoured to receive such recognition.

"It's truly unbelievable, particularly as there are so many people whose contributions are so deserving of this accolade.

"I started my charity work for the same reason that I joined the police – I wanted to give back to society and do something to help those who need it most.

"I must recognise my wife and my family, who provide me with so much support and have had to put up with every ache and pain following each marathon run and each mountain trek, as well as my friend and colleague, chief inspector Danny Appleton, who has been the spearhead of our sporting marathons, in both organising and joint participation, raising thousands of pounds for Mahdlo."