Former Middle East hostage Terry Waite is to present a business award to a Bristol company.

Mr Waite, an acclaimed humanitarian and author, will present the Social Enterprise Mark to Emmaus Bristol.

Mr Waite, 70, lived in Bristol for some years during his early career, acting as education adviser to the Anglican Bishop of Bristol, Oliver Tomkins.

In the early 1980s Mr Waite, as the Archbishop of Canterbury's envoy, negotiated the release of hostages in Iran and Libya.

But in 1987, while negotiating, he was taken hostage in Lebanon and held in solitary confinement for five years.

Towards the end of his captivity he was held with journalist John McCarthy.

He was awarded the MBE in 1982 and the CBE in 1992 and has returned to give talks in Bristol on many occasions.

Emmaus Bristol is the first organisation to help homeless people be given the award.

The charity is part of the international Emmaus movement of which Mr Waite is president.

The organisation provides shelter, work and support for destitute and homeless people.

The Social Enterprise Mark proves the company is trading for the benefit of local people, rather than the benefit of shareholders or owners.

Emmaus joins other proven ethical businesses in Bristol as a holder. Previous recipients include the Watershed Arts Trust, the Pierian Centre, Bristol Wood Recycling Project, Bristol Community Transport and the SOFA Project.

Director Richard Pendlebury said: "We're very proud to have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. Here at Emmaus Bristol we strive for excellence and this is another measure of achievement for us.

"We think more organisations supporting homeless people could operate in the same way, so that people are the ultimate beneficiaries of the service.

"Social enterprise is a better way of doing business and the Social Enterprise Mark enables us to show people that we are truly socially motivated."

Mr Waite will be visiting Emmaus Bristol, Bedminster Parade next Thursday.