A LOCAL veteran has been awarded the highest honour given by the Royal British Legion in recognition of his "outstanding" contribution and enduring service to the charity.

Roy Strange, 87, who lives at Charnwood Country Residence in Much Dewchurch, received a Gold Badge award from the Royal British Legion (RBL) for his lasting dedication to the charity in a special presentation at the nursing home last Friday (August 27).

The RBL says the award recognises the outstanding contributions made by its members and is a celebration of Roy’s "dedication and work ethic" on behalf of the charity, particularly in improving the welfare of members of the ex-service community in Herefordshire.

Roy joined the RBL’s St Weonards branch in the early 1990s and took on many roles within the charity during his many years of service, including as a Branch officer, County Committee member, Standard Bearer, Poppy Appeal collector and County Community Support Officer.

He continued in his role of County Community Support Officer until ill health forced his retirement in 2019.

The presentation of the Gold Badge was made during a personal visit to the nursing home by the RBL’s Director General, Charles Byrne.

Barbara Leeson, County Chairman for the RBL in Herefordshire, said: "Roy’s greatest strength was in the field of welfare, and welfare matters in Herefordshire rapidly improved the moment Roy threw himself into the challenge.

"Nothing was too difficult for him to handle, especially at a time when the County had very few trained welfare workers.

"His dedication to those of the ex-service community who had fallen upon hard times was incredibly strong.

"Whilst carrying out this role, which he took on in 2003, Roy’s passion for the wellbeing of the beneficiaries he looked after was well known, and he made many return visits to them, ensuring they were OK and had help when needed.

"In fact, his dedication to members of the ex-service community who had fallen upon hard times was so strong that he insisted on his own home telephone number being given out so he could be contacted immediately if needed, which was stressed as necessary, but especially around Christmas time.

"Roy is sorely missed amongst County and Branch members, and it is only fitting that the Royal British Legion have recognised his dedication and awarded him with this honour."

Director General Charles Byrne added: "The work of our members and volunteers in invaluable, and I would like to personally thank Roy for his years of support and dedication.

"Before his retirement, Roy was the epitome of an RBL member, delivering ’Service not Self’, and it is for these reasons that I am honoured to award him with the Gold Badge."