A SOCIAL worker from Swindon has been honoured again for his sports, charity and community work.

Steve Stephenson MBE, from Nythe, was presented with a Special Award by the Friends of the Caribbean Organisation at a dinner in Milton Keynes.

“I didn’t know about it at all,” said Mr Stephenson.

“The first hint was my wife, Pamela, telling me to put my jacket on. And I said ‘why should I put my jacket on? It’s a bit hot in here.'.

“But of course it was because they were about to announce the award.”

The award was presented by Rose Hudson, the Queen’s Chaplain and Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

“I was so surprised when I was told, I did not expect it at all,” added Steve.

The former principal equalities officer for Swindon Borough Council now works for Voluntary Action Swindon as a social worker.

He has worked with a range of different communities across Swindon over the years, including those with disabilities, the elderly and LGBT communities.

“I’ve been fortunate to be in a position to help people, and I have had a lot of success stories,” said Steve.

He added: “It’s quite nice to be recognised for all my work, but as a social worker, it’s my chance to show my humanity towards people. I never set out to get any awards through my work.”

Steve also has close cricketing links, and has raised thousands pounds for charity over the past 30 years organising sporting events.

Having grown up in Jamaica playing cricket with the likes of Michael Holding, more recently Steve has mentored West Indies internationals playing in the UK.

Steve spent time helping Chris Gayle when he played for Somerset, and also knows Courtney Walsh, the former West Indies and Gloucestershire fast bowler, and Sir Vivian Richards.

The day after receiving the Special Award Steve had organised a charity cricket match in which Walsh, Eastenders actor Rudolph Walker and former England stars Devon Malcolm and Chris Lewis were playing.

“It was a really good event," said Steve. “And my team won!”

Steve also received an MBE from the Queen in 1996, as well as the Prime Minister Medal of Honour from P J Patterson, PM of Jamaican in 2003.

Steve added: “I want to thank my wife, Pamela, for all her support, because without her all these awards would not have been possible.”