A NATIONAL award won by late fundraising hero Billy Birch will go on display at Ellesmere Port’s library.

His son Mally said this is what his dad would have wanted as it was the people of the town who helped him raise more than £113,000 in 26 years and any plaudits should be shared.

The family collected a British Citizen Award (BCA) on Billy’s behalf in London on July 5 following an anonymous nomination and then support from MP Justin Madders.

Billy died surrounded by his family, including children Mally, Neil, Stephen and Cheryl, at the Countess of Chester Hospital on Sunday, December 10, at the age of 76.

A popular character in his community, Billy dedicated his fundraising to the memory of his beloved late wife, Sylvia.

Mally, Neil and Cheryl were joined at the library by Mr Madders, town mayor Cllr Karen Shore and Cllr Mike Edwardson on Saturday (July 14).

Mally told The Standard: “It was a significant day for us to hand over the BCA medal to Ellesmere Port library for the general public to come and view it.

“We believe this is what out dad would have requested us to do. To all the companies and people who have supported our dad over the 26 years of his tireless charity works you are truly amazing people.

“I have been lucky enough to work the length and breadth of the UK and can honestly say this would never be achieved anywhere else. Ellesmere Port may be a small town but as my dad would say, the people of the Port have hearts of gold.”

He added: “My message to the people reading this is I hope every one of you feels mighty proud today for not only putting Ellesmere Port on the map or helping our dad receive his prestigious BCA awards medal, but more importantly for contributing in making people’s lives that much better. You are the real winners.”