Brian, receives recognition for being a ‘spoke in a wheel’.

A postman from Chester-le-Street has been given the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his service to a charity he founded 16 years ago.

Brian Milner, who along with a friend and fellow postman David Patterson BEM, founded Gateway Wheelers disabled cycling group, in 1996

Brian received his medal from the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sir Paul Nicholson at a low key ceremony at Durham County Cricket Club recently.

“It was a great honour to meet Sir Paul and to receive the medal in my home town with good friends and family around.” Said Brian

“The British Empire Medal (BEM) was revived this year to reward community and voluntary work and so it is a double honour to be one of the first to get the medal for my work with Gateway Wheelers.”

Sadly, the co-founder passed away in 2004 and because of this, the group were even more determined to continue their work with riding for all abilities:

‘When David passed away it was a big loss, but we all rallied together, took on the challenge and have continued the charity’s success,’

Indeed, the group, based at Durham Cricket Ground, has a vibrant group of cyclists who enjoy getting out on their bikes most weekends.

Brian received his BEM for, Services to Gateway Wheelers and Royal Mail but is quick to say that it is very much a team effort with the group:

“When I first received my letter it took a few days for what I had been awarded to sink in. At the end of the day I’m just one spoke in a big wheel at Gateway Wheelers and without the support of my family and volunteers none of this would be possible not forgetting Sarah our amazing development officer

Not to be left out of a glamorous tea party down at Buckingham Palace, Brian has been assured that he will be invited down next year.

“I have been told that, because I have been given my honour ‘at home’, I will be invited down to London to meet others and hopefully the Queen!”