Former Carlisle United defender Gary Bennett has been made an MBE for his unstinting work to fight racism.

The 60-year-old, who played for the Blues in the 1995/6 season, was nominated in the New Year Honours.

He was honoured for services to anti-racism in football, Bennett having been at the forefront of organisations such as Show Racism The Red Card for more than 25 years.

Bennett, best known in his playing days for his long service with Sunderland AFC, was one of the first patrons of SRTRC and has visited many clubs and organisations to promote the anti-racism message.

He has also used his own experiences to help educate others.

Bennett said today: "First of all I thought it was a joke when I saw the letter, because it happened to come on my birthday, December 4...

"Then I opened it up and it says, 'You've been nominated for an MBE'."

Bennett said that, as well as his colleagues at Show Racism The Red Card, credit should also go to Sunderland AFC and the people of Sunderland for their support.

He also saluted SRTRC chief Ged Grebby for setting up the charity, having been "appalled" at the racism that was prevalent in football in the 1970s and 1980s.

Bennett spoke of a game between Sunderland and Newcastle in 1985, when he and team-mate Howard Gayle were racially abused.

After 11 years with Sunderland, Bennett joined Carlisle on a free transfer and made 31 appearances in 1995/6, scoring six goals.

He also played for Cardiff City, Scarborough and Darlington.