A Brentford FC stalwart has been awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours List after decades of involvement with the club and Brentford FC Community Trust.

Brian Burgess received the British Empire Medal (BEM) which is granted in recognition of meritorious civil or military service, for his service to football.

The citation specifically mentioned Brian's role as a Trustee of Brentford Football Club Community Sports Trust.

Brian has been a Trustee of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust charity since it became an independent trust in 2005 and played a key role in Bees United, the Brentford Supporters' Trust, and was Chairman for four years.

Brian said: "I am delighted and humbled to be awarded this BEM, which recognises the valuable work of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust and its impact in local communities.

"It's an absolute privilege to have served as a Trustee from the Trust's inception in 2005 and to work closely with Chief Executive Lee Doyle and his team in developing such exciting projects such as the new community hub next to Brentford Community Stadium and the impressive sports hub at Gunnersbury Park."

Brian's passion for the Trust stems from his belief that football and the local community should be fully integrated.

Speaking about the Trust, Brian added: "As a charity, the Community Sports Trust delivers a wide range of programmes using the power of sport to educate, motivate and inspire people from all backgrounds including vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups.

"The way in which the team has successfully adapted these goals to the difficult circumstances of the pandemic has been truly amazing.

"Therefore, this award is a tribute to everyone involved in the Community Sports Trust and its partners, and the efforts of so many former colleagues and volunteers at the Club and Bees United.

"On a personal level, I owe so much to my late wife, Sylvia, who was and always will be an inspiration."

Brian has been involved with Brentford FC for most of his life, initially as a supporter.

He was chairman of Bees United when the fans completed a takeover of the club in early 2006.

Brian helped to raise the funds required to refinance the Club and helped pave the way for the initial involvement of current owner Matthew Benham.

Ian Dobie, Chair of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said: "On behalf of everyone at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, I congratulate Brian on being recognised for the work he has carried out so selflessly for the Club and Trust. This is a truly well-deserved honour."