A Sheppey businessman has been given an award for his work lending money to people who cannot get access to banks.

Terry Dodd, managing director of the Tiger Group in Brielle Way, Sheerness, was honoured for his fundraising, enterprise and innovation efforts at the Edward Filene Credit Union Awards.

A ceremony took place in Liverpool last month but Mr Dodd was unable to attend so was given his trophy by MP Gordon Henderson.

Mr Dodd is president of two credit unions in London and hopes to bring his expertise to Swale. He is trying to set up a Sittingbourne and Sheppey Credit Union.

The 64-year-old, said: “We can cut our costs, lend at lower interest rates and perhaps get them some money.”