AN OCCUPATIONAL health champion from Darwen has been recognised for his 30 years of service.

Steve Sumner, from the Jack Keys area, has been influential in developing the management of health and safety within local authorities.

And now the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), have given him a Distinguished Service Award.

He began his career as a local authority health and safety inspector, and went on to work for the Health and Safety Executive’s Local Authority Unit.

He has become one of the UK’s leading advisers and his efforts in stress management have helped ensure sickness absence in the sector is at its lowest level since national data were first collected.

Mr Sumner said: “I feel extremely honoured and proud to receive this award.”

Steve was also awarded the OBE in 2007’s new year’s honours list.