THE founder of a charity which supports homeless people in Salisbury has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Reverend John Proctor founded Alabaré with his wife Alicia 25 years ago after taking in a homeless man into his Wilton home.

Growing from humble beginnings the charity now has an annual turnover of £7million and has 500 dedicated staff and volunteers.

The organisation provides homes and services which include a brand new Homeless Drop In Centre in the heart of Salisbury, accommodation and support for young people leaving care, development centres for people with learning difficulties.

John said: “I was overwhelmed but delighted when I received news that I would be awarded an OBE in the Queens 90th Birthday Honours. It was a wonderful surprise, but more importantly one that allows me to give recognition where it is due.

“The OBE is awarded for my services to the homeless and vulnerable. A service I could not possibly have achieved on my own.

"I want to acknowledge the support of the Alabaré Christian Community who helped me start this work more than 30 years ago and to the staff and volunteers of Alabaré Christian Care and Support who have taken this work forward over the last 25 years enabling us to support on average, approximately 3,000 vulnerable people a year.

"But my greatest debt of gratitude is to my wife and four children who have not only had to share their husband and father but at times their home as well. It is their love and support that has enabled me to continue this work which has become a vocation in life.”

John was also praised by the Bishop of Salisbury, The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, who described Alabaré as the "embodiment of Christian belief".

"John Proctor was instrumental in setting up Alabaré, which now helps people with housing needs and other vulnerabilities across Wiltshire, Dorset, and beyond," he said. "I am therefore delighted that his initial vision, continuing commitment, and work over many years to realise it, have been honoured by Her Majesty.”

To find out more about the work that Alabaré does and to find out how you can get involved, visit alabare.co.uk