A campaigner who was stabbed in the head a decade ago has been honoured for his work raising thousands of pounds for victims of knife crime.

Shane Yerrell, of Waltham Abbey, has received a British Citizen Award for his services to the community after raising more than £17,000 for charity.

He will be one of 29 medallists from across the UK to be honoured at a ceremony on January 26, at the Palace of Westminster.

Mr Yerrell was stabbed in the head by two men wearing masks in Epping Forest on Halloween 2007 and suffered trauma and flashbacks as a result.

The 33-year-old has since dedicated much of his life to supporting good causes and raising money for others affected by knife crime.

He said: “I still cannot believe I have been selected to receive a British Citizen Award, it’s definitely going to take a while to sink in.

“I absolutely love what I do, and although I do not do it for awards, it’s an incredible feeling to have been recognised.

“I’m really looking forward to the awards ceremony, it will be an honour to meet all of the medallists and hear their inspirational stories.

“I am delighted that I will get to share the special day with my mum, best friend, and trustees, who have all been a fantastic support, even if they do think my ideas are a little crazy sometimes.”

In 2011, Mr Yerrell climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise £1,400 for the Rob Knox Foundation, founded in memory of the Harry Potter actor who was stabbed to death in Sidcup in 2008.

He has also taken part in the London-Brighton walk, a trek up Mount Toubkal and organised a variety of fundraising events over the past five years.

He was awarded a Pride of Essex Award in 2015 for his efforts.

The British Citizen Award recognises individuals that positively impact others in their communities and through charities across the country.

Mr Yerrell was nominated for the award by his close friend, David Sparrey.

Mr Sparrey said: “I have been friends with Shane for years and he’s an inspiration. He always puts others before himself and will do his best to help anyone.

“I am delighted he has been chosen to receive a British Citizen Award.”