Huddersfield Marathon Band's Mike Lomas has been honoured for his sterling charity work, live on Christmas television.

Surprise award

Mike, who was influential in forming the band, was appearing along with other members of the organisation on the regional news programme BBC ‘North West Tonight’ when he received the surprise award.

Cornet player Tim Hewitt had nominated Mike to be a 'Christmas Star' — recognition given to individuals within the North West by the BBC regional news programme in appreciation for their dedication to helping others.

Fundraising dynamo

In an interview live on television in Stretford, Tim Hewitt described Mike as, '...a fundraising dynamo for the charity Sense.'

In an interview live on television in Stretford, Tim Hewitt described Mike as, '...a fundraising dynamo for the charity Sense.'4BR

Shocked

A shocked Mike revealed that the band will focus on next April's London Marathon with the aim of raising £60,000 for the charity.

Whilst the players met originally in Huddersfield, many of them are now based in the Manchester area.