Business leader Bob Holt has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list for his charity work and services supporting disabled and disadvantaged people.
The philanthropist and business tycoon became chair of Cheshire-based outsourced procurement services company Inprova Group following its launch in April 2015.
Bob's charity work dates back to 2004 when he began organising fundraising walks with colleagues at Mears Group, the property repairs giant he led the expansion of and continues to chair.
In 2008 he set up The Footprints Foundation, a charity which supports a range of projects tackling problems facing disadvantaged and vulnerable young and elderly people and those with significant health issues.
They include support for six orphanages in South Africa which has involved Bob taking a hands on role with teams of volunteers to undertake a wide variety of building jobs, involving skills such as roofing, bricklaying and plastering.
Bob said: "I was surprised and delighted to receive the indication that I had been recognised in the New Year Honours with an OBE.