A COMPASSIONATE community hero who has dedicated years to helping vulnerable residents has received a British Empire Medal.

Former firefighter Les Nicholl, who now works as a Community Builder with Essex Fire and Rescue Service, has been recognised for his work across north Essex.

He was named in the New Year’s Honours list at the end of 2019 but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the ceremony.

The 69-year-old’s primary role is making sure vulnerable groups are well looked after, however, he said he has been left feeling “embarrassed” by his recognition.

Les’s work has grown and grown.

He took it upon himself to set up a volunteer group to help families create a safe and comfortable home - known as North Essex Support Team (NEST).

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic Les and his team provided a vital service to support the people of Harwich, starting group Harwich Help and working with the Salvation Army, Churches Together and Homestart Harwich.

The team would also pick up shopping and prescriptions for people who were struggling while being a smiling face and hanging about for a chat for those just about getting by during unprecedented times.

And as the pandemic draws to a close, Les revealed NEST undertook a phenomenal effort of delivering 7,000 hot meals and completing more than 2,000 shopping trips throughout.

“I still feel embarrassed to be receiving this award,” said Les, who lives in Dovercourt.

“I just believe others do the work. All I do is what everybody else does which is take care of my neighbour.

“I worry people may think I’m in it just for the awards when all I want to do is help.

“The response I’ve received, however, has been wonderful. All my friends and family have been so pleased and I guess I’m proud too, it’s nice to be acknowledged by those at the top.

“I feel like the team has just offered a big smile to people throughout what has been a really tough time.

“I know we’ve saved lives in what we have done, there’s a fantastic team of us and everyone deserves the credit.

“I’ve just done my bit in a much larger team – I’m just the one with the loud voice.

“It’s a really good, community effort.”

His group NEST provides items of furniture and other essentials to people fighting addictions, fleeing domestic abuse and young families, delivering items free of charge from a storage unit.

The group has gone from strength to strength and Mr Nicholl has no plans to slow down just yet.

“I’m very lucky in my life, I remember my struggle when I was first married, we really, really struggled and it’s only right I offer the assistance where I can to help others.

“It’s important to me that I give back.

“NEST is growing all the time and I have no plans to stop any time soon, if anything everything is getting bigger.”