A SUPPORT manager who showed compassion to help someone has been given an award.

Muhammad Bilal, also known as Bill, received an Attitude of Gratitude award from campaigner Manuela Wahnon, which recognises people with a “great attitude to life.”

The 36-year-old who works at Complete Entertainment Exchange (CEX), in High Street, was presented with the award by Test Valley mayor Councillor Carl Borg-Neal, at the Mayor’s Parlour on Monday afternoon.

Mr Bilal was picked for the award after he helped Ms Wahnon set up her phone on a busy Saturday afternoon despite her not being a customer.

Mr Bilal said: “It was a bit overwhelming I wasn’t expecting anything it was a shock, but a good shock.

“It was just me being normal, helping people with anything. It’s just a normal thing for me, if I can help somebody I will.

“I feel very appreciated that I was given the award and it is still slowly sinking in. It’s just a normal thing I do. I don’t know why I deserve this.

“The presentation was a very warm feeling, it was nice and it made me feel appreciated.”

Ms Wahnon also used the presentation to give out a surprise award to Christine Mellor, of David Mellor Jewellers, who she said is more than a friend, but a confidante.

She said: “Bill is simply unique, to give up 45 minutes of his time on a Saturday when he has a shop to run, and had nothing to gain from it all, shows true compassion and commitment to those in our community who are not internet savvy.

“I would like to say what an honour it was to be able to present Christine Mellor with this much deserved award, it’s been a long time coming, she has been so supportive of my campaign.

“She believes in our town 100 per cent, it doesn’t matter how bad everything is she’s a positive person.”