Banbury MP Victoria Prentis presents Points of Light award to community hero - Prabhu Natarajan

Prabhu has served as a volunteer supporting the community in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, delivering more than 11,000 chocolates, treats and other foodstuffs to hundreds of families across Banbury.

Mrs Prentis said: "It's amazing what you've done. It's just incredible.

"We're lucky to hve him here in Banbury. We're very fortunate they moved here.

"This is extraordinary what he's achieved. It's quite a big deal for the Prime Minister to do this.

"Prabhu has had lots of local recognition locally, but to be recognised nationally too is great."

Mrs Prentis also recognised Prabhu as an Unsung Hero in North Oxfordshire in December 2020.

Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community. The Prime Minister’s UK Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live. Prabhu was the 1637th person to be recognised.

As the UK unites to fight the spread of coronavirus, the award is focusing particularly on people serving their community through the pandemic.

In a personal letter to Prabhu, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Thank you for all that you have done over the last year to bring moments of happiness to the families of Banbury.

“You have delighted local children by doing your deliveries in superhero costume, but the true hero is you!”

Prabhu Natarajan moved to Banbury from India with his wife and son in March 2020 just as the Coronavirus outbreak started, but immediately set out to provide support for people in need across the local area by regularly collecting and delivering food parcels to people in need, as well as established his own food bank.

He has been further giving a boost to residents during lockdown by making his deliveries while dressed as superheroes, Santa Claus, and most recently, distributing thousands of donated eggs while dressed as the Easter bunny. He has delivered more than 1,600 food packs to people struggling during the pandemic in Banbury.

His service to the community continues as he delivered 15 food packs to people in need last night, Thursday June 10.

Prabhu said: "I believe whatever you do, it will come back to you.

"The main person who has supported me is my wife, Shilpa Balachandran.

"Alone I cannot do anything. This has happened just because of the support of the people of Banbury."