Paris terror victim's sister recognised by PM for charity work

The sister of the only British victim of the Paris terror attacks said it was a "huge honour" to receive an award from the prime minister for her charity work.

Nick Alexander, 35, from Weeley in Essex, was shot dead at the Bataclan Theatre in 2015.

Zoe Alexander set up The Nick Alexander Memorial Trust, which provides music equipment to disadvantaged communities.

She said she was determined to ensure his life was not defined by that night.

"We always wanted to create a legacy of light for Nick from the darkness surrounding the attacks, and to have our charity recognised in this way is a huge honour, not just for me but also for my parents and everyone who has supported us along the way.

"We could never have achieved this without them."

Ms Alexander, who lives in Wivenhoe, found out about the Points of Light Award the day before she headed to Paris with her parents for the annual commemorations at the Bataclan.

The awards are given out by the prime minister to people making a change in their community.

"It was a huge surprise and it being the anniversary of the attack gave it added significance," she said.

Ms Alexander started the charity on the first anniversary of her brother's death. He was working as the merchandise manager for Eagles of Death Metal when the co-ordinated attacks, which killed 130 people, took place in November 2015.

The charity supports various music groups and has refurbished a music studio for a homeless centre, worked with ex-offenders and provided instruments for deaf babies, pre-schoolers and dementia patients.

"Music was Nick's passion, he dedicated his career of 15 years to it and I'm sure he would be incredibly proud of everything we have achieved," she added.

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]