A SELBY man has been crowned Champion of England for his charity work.

On the day the country celebrated St George’s Day, Frank Basey was presented with his award by 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst for his efforts in raising thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion.

Frank walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for the Legion in 2008, and the mammoth walk earned him a place on the Bombardier Champion of England shortlist, where he was up against eight other finalists from across the UK. Yesterday, at a star-studded gala in London, Frank, who has been a member of the legion for most of his adult life after a career in the army, was named Champion of England.

He said: “This is a great honour to be named as the Bombardier Champion of England. My charity work is a tiny fraction of the amount of tremendous hard work by thousands of people that happens every day across the country.

“I would like to dedicate it to the thousands of British servicemen and women who are serving or have served for our country.”

Peter Cleminson, national chairman of the Royal British Legion said: “We’re delighted the Champion of England himself represents our champions in the British Armed Forces. We’re grateful for his monumental fundraising efforts to support our work for the Forces Family and the public’s recognition of his selfless service.”

Frank, 68, completed the 1,200-mile journey between the most northern and southern tips of mainland Britain in two-and-a-half months and was accompanied on his journey by his faithful dog, Tess.

The Bombardier Champion of England awards were established to recognise the extraordinary efforts made by unsung heroes in the community that demonstrate all that is great about England.