A RED Cross volunteer from Malvern has been given the charity's highest honour for his work in helping survivors of the Grenfell disaster.

Martin Hookins, a retired social worker, was awarded the Henry Dunant Medal, named after the man who founded the Red Cross in 1863.

Mr Hookins, a Red Cross volunteer for three years, took part in the rescue operation after the disaster, a fire in a West London tower block that killed 72 people.

He said: “I was at the rest centre recording survivors’ details and signposting them to other sources of support.

"I also worked with local community volunteers to support survivors to apply for financial support from donations.

"Many told me they were grateful for the help they received, and it was a privilege to provide a little help in a major tragedy for so many people.”

Along with Mel Turbutt from Bewdley, another Red Cross volunteer who also assisted at Grenfell and has been awarded the same medal, he met Worcester mayor Jabba Riaz at Malvern fire station, where the Red Cross’s specially-adapted vehicle is based.

The vehicle contains clothing, refreshments and information on how people who have lost all their paperwork to flood or fire can make an insurance claim.

Lisa Allsopp, emergency response officer for the Red Cross Hereford and Worcester, said: “Our volunteers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can be called out to provide practical and emotional support to people affected by house fires, power outages and water shortages."