ESSEX charity founder and community leader David Barton has received national recognition for his work supporting disadvantaged children, vulnerable adults and communities across Essex and the wider UK.

David, founder of Thurrock-based charity Get Started Art, was awarded a Certificate of Achievement at the National Diversity Awards, held at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

The prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating its 15th year, recognises individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to building more inclusive communities across the UK.

This year's awards attracted more than 85,000 nominations and votes, with David shortlisted for the prestigious Positive Role Model Award.

More than 500 guests attended the ceremony, while organisers announced during the live event that the awards had already generated more than two million social media impressions, highlighting their considerable national reach.

Hosted by television presenter Konnie Huq, and with HSBC UK as headline sponsor, the star-studded awards featured leading figures from television and entertainment, including three-time Emmy and BAFTA winner Stephen Graham OBE, Emmy-nominated actor Ashley Walters and Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse.

Through his charitable and community leadership, including as founder of Get Started Art and Community Engagement Lead for Essex Freemasons, David has developed and supported initiatives addressing children's wellbeing, mental health, dementia, domestic abuse and inclusion, while building partnerships between charities, civic leaders, voluntary organisations and community groups.

He has overseen the distribution of almost two million free arts and crafts resources, including hundreds of thousands to NHS children's and dementia wards, supported hospices, care homes and schools, and helped deliver initiatives reaching some of the county's most vulnerable people. His work has also extended internationally, providing thousands of resources to children affected by conflict overseas.

David said: "To be recognised nationally as a positive role model is incredibly humbling. For me, being a role model is about using whatever opportunities you have to help others, bring people together and make a positive difference.

"None of this work happens in isolation. I'm incredibly grateful to the volunteers who give their time to support our work, to my colleagues and friends across Essex Freemasons, and to the many charities and community organisations we work alongside. This recognition is also a reflection of their commitment to helping others."

The national recognition comes during a particularly special year for David, who was also honoured with a British Citizen Award at the House of Lords, elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and admitted to the Freedom of the City of London.