WORKING in Darfur and selling crafts from developing countries have earned an Oxfordshire man the title of runner-up in a national Volunteer of the Year contest.

Tetsworth man Richard Moore, 64, has carried out voluntary work for relief and development agency Tearfund for 17 years.

His efforts were highly commended at the UK Charity Awards, which were held earlier this month.

Speaking at the ceremony in London, Mr Moore said: "I am chuffed to bits. I didn't expect it.

"Tearfund is the charity that my heart goes out to most because of the work it does, the way it works and the people.

"When I became a Christian I said to my wife, 'what should I do?'. She said I had to get active and do more than just put £1 in the collection plate."

Mr Moore's work has included going to disaster zones in Mozambique, Sierra Leone and most recently in the Darfur region of Sudan, carrying out urgent needs assessments and ensuring people have access to clean water and sanitation.

He said: "I have a deep concern for people in poverty and a yearning to do something about it.

"I am fortunate to live in this country, but thousands live in abject poverty. I have met some of them through my work in disaster response with Tearfund.

"Many of them struggle every day, yet manage to survive and come out the other side. They have had a great impact on me."

Mr and Mrs Moore have spent weekends and summer holidays helping to provide families in the developing world with a fair wage by selling Tearcraft products.

Tearcraft is a subsidiary of Tearfund, which sells products made in the developing world to western markets.

Mr Moore added: "Selling Tearcraft has been inspirational to me. I enjoy selling products that will benefit poor people and passing on the message of Tearfund's commitment to those living in poverty."