A SOLDIER has received an MBE from the Queen this week for his contribution to helping local charities and other work.

Ross Murphy, from Workington, was given the news earlier this year of being part of the 2020 honours list, after being nominated by his commanding officer.

On Tuesday, he went to Windsor Castle to meet the Queen and be finally granted with the MBE during an official ceremony.

Mr Murphy said: "It was a very humble moment to be honest, I think because of Covid happening it was nice to actually go down and receive it.

"I never expected to get an MBE, so to be awarded it was a surreal moment for me."

He explained that there are around thirty investitures per year, with around 200 people in each one, so bestowing all the honours can be a long process.

Ross joined the military in 2007 as part of the Duke Of Lancaster Regiment and was made sergeant. He now serves as a full time reserve at the Workington Army Reserve Centre.

Because of this he has done a lot of work helping with the Poppy Appeal by distributing and collecting donation boxes around the area.

But his charity work did not end there. He has done a lot of fundraising events for Jigsaw, a children's charity based in Carlisle.

Ross has taken part in several sponsored walks including a Coast-to-Coast and a trek from Workington to Keswick.

He is currently working with the military charity, Walking With The Wounded, as this Christmas he will walk from Wigton to Penrith with fellow veteran Mark Harding.

He went onto explain that he is also planning an 'ice marathon' next year to raise more money for important causes.

Mr Murphy added: "The award wasn't just for me but also the team that I worked with, particularly in the military with those who helped with the Poppy Appeal.

"I'd also like to thank all the people who sponsored me and helped when I did the walks for charity. A massive thank you to my family and friends for their support."