Rural-aid official meets the Queen

A council officer who has worked on a series of schemes to help rural communities in Bradford met the Queen during a reception at Windsor Castle.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Nov 2010, 10:32 BST

Updated 26th Nov 2010, 10:32 BST

Dave Melling, who leads programmes to improve rural economies within the Airedale Partnership, has spent nine years tackling countryside issues in Bradford.

The civil servant joined a reception with The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, The Duke of Gloucester and The Countess of Wessex along with 350 guests to celebrate work being done in UK rural communities.

Mr Melling said: "People often don't realise that two-thirds of Bradford district is non-urban and, as in all parts of the UK, countryside communities here face a number of challenges around accessing services, transport and facilities which have to be addressed."

His achievements include helping Bradford Council earn national Beacon status for its rural services and supporting parish councils through the creation of a charter scheme.

Mr Melling also helped set up the "wheels to work" programme which provides people with scooters to access employment.