A DISABILITY champion who has been hand-cycling across the country has picked up an award from the Prime Minister.

Adrian Derbyshire picked up the Points of Light award from David Cameron for his work to raise awareness of disability hate crime.

The Whitecross campaigner who was a British wheelchair fencing champion is using a handcycle to make his trek across the country as part of his hate crime ambassador role.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Adrian is an inspirational campaigning volunteer who has used his own experiences of prejudice to educate others about hate crime.

"He is raising awareness of his important campaign through a remarkable feat of physical endurance. As a result his positive messages of tolerance and acceptance have reached the ears of over 5,000 young people. I am delighted to recognise Adrian as a Point of Light."

The Points of Light award was established in the US by former president George Bush to shine a light on volunteers.

Adrian added: “I am honoured to receive recognition for the work I do to by the Prime Minister. I am currently handcycling a marathon a day as part of a nine month awareness campaign as well as being an ambassador for six charities and the co-chair of a disability forum which provides information, help and services for people in the north west."

Warrington South MP David Mowat said: “Adrian is an inspirational figure in Warrington and more widely. He is much respected and admired - this award is truly deserved. Well Done.”