A COUNCIL worker who has played a vital role in serving the Indian community has been awarded an MBE.

Vimal Choksi joined Oldham Council in 2007 and has gone on to become a senior member of the adult social care team.

Away from work, the 43-year-old is on the executive committee of Oldham Indian Association and has been a volunteer for various organisations across the borough.

Three years ago, he became the first Indian-origin councillor elected to Tameside Council.

Speaking the three major Indian languages and English, he plays a valuable role helping with casework and community activism across the Greater Manchester area, assisting other Labour councillors and MPs with issues affecting constituents from India.

He said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed.

"In all honesty, I was not expecting to be listed in the honours list but it is a privilege to be recognised.

"It has been a great rollercoaster journey for me and I have enjoyed it.

"Since I was a child, my parents taught me the importance of community service and activism.

"I learnt each step of the way from many people who inspired me to always do better.

"I have seen how people have struggled and it has been nice to make a real difference to people's lives."

In his community work, Vimal has also led calls for an Indian consulate to be introduced in Manchester.

He added: "I thank everyone who has supported me over the years and my heartfelt thanks to my wife Dimple and kids Tisha and Devarsh and friends who stood by me always.

"I shall continue to work hard for the community of Ashton, and in particular Waterloo, that I represent."

Congratulating Vimal on receiving his honour, Oldham Council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: “I’d also like to say a huge well done to Vimal, who is another one of our own here at the council, on his MBE and his outstanding community work, it is thoroughly deserved.

“A great shoutout to everyone else in Oldham who has received an award as part of the this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List too! You are all a great example of the wonderful people who we have working and living in our borough, great job everyone!”