A Helensburgh man is “completely overwhelmed” to be receiving a prestigious honour for his charity work ahead of the coronation.

Murray MacDonald, founder of Autism on the Water [AOTW], has been named as one of only 500 people in the UK who will receive a Coronation Champion Award.

Organised by the Royal Voluntary Service, the unique award – which was created specially to mark the coronation of King Charles - praises the work of volunteers across the UK.

Only one in 10 of all those nominated managed to secure the accolade – and Murray is delighted to have the honour.

He said: “I am completely overwhelmed to have been picked as one of 500 out of 5,000 nominations for this award.

“It’s amazing how one small idea I had nearly seven years ago has turned into what it is today.

“We have helped the best part of 500 people with autism get out on the water in that time.

“This award is not just for me but for the amazing volunteers in AOTW who help make what we do possible.”

Murray founded AOTW in 2016 after sailing for most of his life and seeing the benefits sailing can have for some autistic people, and he is also autistic, first-hand.

Read more: Autism on the Water organises Rhu Marina sailing day

Throughout the years, the charity grew to help provide hundreds of people with autism and their families and carers with fun sailing trips that develop participants’ confidence, problem-solving skills, social skills.

Every trip is free to join as the charity believe making such events accessible – especially during the cost-of-living crisis – is important.

Murray is the only volunteer to be given the Coronation Champion Award from the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

The awards celebrate volunteers aged 14 and over who have overcome challenges or implemented creative ways to support their communities over the last five years.

Nominees were judged by a panel comprised of volunteering experts, celebrities and academics and headed by the Queen Consort.

The winners were decided based on their impact, dedication, and how inspirational they are to their communities.

To learn more about Murray's work with Autism on the Water, visit: www.autismonthewater.co.uk.