A charity founder has been hailed for supporting vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

David Stanley, who established the Music Man Project, has been named a Community Hero by the UK Community Network.

The initiative recognises people who have helped the vulnerable during the pandemic and beyond.

The Music Man Project teaches children and adults with learning disabilities how to play musical instruments, allowing them to perform on some of the country’s biggest stages.

David has battled through the pandemic by taking sessions online, through MMP Wired, reaching more than 1,000 people.

However, he admits being named a Community Hero came as a shock.

David, of Leigh, said: “I got an email from the UK Community Network to say they had heard about the work of my charity.

“It’s fantastic being named as a Community Hero for what I have been doing during the pandemic.

“I probably get more out of the Music Man Project than the members themselves because I love helping people.

“It is incredible bringing talent out of people and giving them the capabilities to perform at places like the Royal Albert Hall.”

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David, who began working full-time on the Music Man Project in 2012, was nominated as a Community Hero by Jacqueline Camacho.

She said: “David has been very proactive in staying in touch with his students during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

“He has presented Facebook Live sessions, Zoom meetings and even doorstep visits with his accordion.

“My son, Daniel, had the happiest time when it was his turn for a visit and it really cheered him up at a time when he was struggling with anxiety after being unable to attend his beloved Music Man Project sessions.

“I am just one very grateful parent. He has visited many other students to make their day over all the lockdown periods of the last year.”

David, 43, is intending to continue taking advantage of the wonders of modern technology due to MMP Wired’s success.

He added: “We have helped more than 1,000 people through my online work and reached people from far-reaching areas. Our online work has been so popular and long may it continue.”