STALWART Warminster resident Chris March was handed a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his tireless work to a number of services in the community.

Mr March moved to Warminster in 1982 having managed the export department of a book supplier. He then became the longest serving councillor after joining the old district council in 1987 and the town council in 1995, before becoming mayor in 2001.

He has carried out extensive work for the Royal British Legion and has been instrumental in getting membership numbers up to over 500.

In addition he has supported Macmillan avidly and is a keen supporter of local youth and community services, alongside being a governor for Kingdown School for over 20 years.

Mr March, 80, said: “The letter I received at the end of November came completely out of the blue. I'm honoured and privileged to be recognised in this way, it was quite emotional reading the letter.

“It was strictly confidential so I didn’t tell anyone about it until recently. It wasn’t too hard keeping it secret as I respected their reasons.”

In addition to his lengthy tenure as a town councillor, Mr March continues to support bringing the Old Town Hall back into community use among other things.

The British Empire Medal (formally British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service) is a British medal awarded for civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.

The current honour was created in 1922 to replace the original medal, which had been established in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire.

Mr Mach added: “I love Warminster and I’m glad I’ve been able to help so many different organisations since moving here.”