IAN Smith’s drive and determination to build the charity Tunza’s Pride over the past decade earned him the Scoff Outside Catering Champion Fundraiser Prize.

And it comes at a perfect time for the 46-year-old as his vision for creating Tunza’s social centre on Boundary Road will be realised later this month.

It will offer children and adults a place to learn new skills, meet new friends, and aims to have a positive impact on the community.

Speaking after collecting his honour, Ian told the audience: “Anybody in here who knows me knows I can talk for England – but I’m completely gobsmacked.

“I have a passion to do something positive for younger people – and that is what Tunza’s Pride is trying to achieve.”

Ian funded the charity in 2004. He has more than 14 years of experience in the charity sector, having started with Willowbrook Hospice.

He has created more than 30 fundraising projects offering volunteering opportunities to more than 5,000 adults and children.

Ian, a father-of-two from Dentons Green, added: “It means a lot to myself and the charity as well. The social centre will be something for the community and hopefully make people happy.”

Glen Moore, of award sponsors Scoff Outside catering, added: “People like Ian are the amazing unsung heroes who do all the work that goes unnoticed.”

Margaret Tipping and Alan Pedley were highly commended.