Spotlight on ... Barry Payton

How did you set up the community link and children's centre?

I worked for BT for 30 years and had never been involved with the early years. Haslingden, where I've lived my whole life, was in the 20 per cent most deprived areas in the country. I heard about Single Regeneration Budget funding helping to make up for the lack of facilities for children and families. With that and some lottery money, we opened in June 2000.

How did it develop?

We started with five part-time employees and a £25,000 annual turnover, and when I retired last year we had 36 employees and £940,000 turnover. I hope we created something that's been of benefit to the community. I think if you have skills that could help the local community you should use them. I hope I've helped in some small way.

What is your proudest achievement?

Getting the MBE was a complete shock. I still don't know who nominated me, but I got a call out of the blue from rather a posh voice asking me to come to Buckingham Palace. I had a lovely day out with my family and it was something that really touched us all.

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