BBC Essex presenter Dave Monk given mental health award
- Published
Dave Monk was described as a "terrific campaigner"
A BBC local radio presenter from Essex has been recognised for his "outstanding contribution to mental health in the media".
BBC Essex mid-morning host Dave Monk received the award from the North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
It is the first time the trust has made an award of this kind to the BBC.
Its chairman, Mary St Aubyn, said: "He's been a terrific campaigner and raised his voice for our cause for a very long time."
She added: "Dave has been in the business for 25 years and throughout that time he's championed mental health issues, not just on the radio but always supporting events and campaigns."
Mr Monk, from Chelmsford, has been with BBC Essex since 1986 and is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Essex.
He said: "It's a great privilege to be able to help what has traditionally been an under-funded and over-looked service.
"With one in four of us suffering with mental ill health, it is important to fight the stigma attached to this subject."