A SALTCOATS man will soon be receiving a British Citizen Award for his charity work.

Well-kent councillor, barman and keen runner Jim Montgomerie will be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the award in appreciation of his extraordinary charitable endeavours.

Jim, who recently launched the IMP Project gym in the town, will be honoured for his services to volunteering and charitable giving at an official medal presentation being held on January 23, 2020.

Jim trained as a boxer from the age of five and had just turned professional when his close friend died during the British Bantamweight title fight.

He turned his back on boxing following the death and decided to run ultra-marathons from London, New York, Rio de Janiero, Sydney, the Sahara Desert, North Pole, South Pole and the Great Wall of China, raising money for charity. Jim ran the length of the UK, in 11 days, 16 hours and 25 minutes and is known as ‘The Running Kilt’, running for charities since 2003.

He started The IMC Project, a Scottish charity with the purpose to provide relief to those in need no matter what age, health, disability, financial hardship or any other disadvantage, the project is open to all.

The immediate objective is to provide a new community boxing gym and fitness facility which will relieve the conditions of life and vulnerability of young people affected by crime, poverty, exclusion, isolation and lack of self-esteem or direction.

In 2019 Jim became an ambassador for White Ribbon Scotland, a charity dedicated ending violence against women. His pledge is to run 16 marathons in 16 days.

The medal presentation will be hosted at the House of Lord’s by TV’s Michael Underwood to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.