SECRETARY of the West Wilts and Bath Royal Engineers Association Bill Steele said he is honoured to have been awarded the prestigious Badge of Merit for his long service to the association.

Mr Steele has lived in Trowbridge for more than 50 years.

He joined The Royal Engineers in 1953 and became a member of the association in 1956. He has been secretary of the West Wilts and Bath branch for eight years.

The 80-year-old was awarded the highest honour by the management committee of the association for meritorious service at a meeting in January and will be presented with the badge at Swinton Barracks in Tidworth on March 28.

Only a select few are given the badge from the 100-plus association branches and Mr Steele said it was a privilege to be one of them.

He said: “I have been a sapper for over 60 years and I am delighted to get the highest honour that the association can give. I will wear the badge with pride.

“I have always enjoyed the comradeship of being part of the association and it is something for all the old boys to be involved with. We attend a number of events and occasions throughout the year and are always busy.

“In the past year, we have attended many events, including the Royal British Legion’s poppy launch, while I also regularly visit sick members and the widows of former sappers to give them support.

“We always have a strong presence in the community and while being secretary and organising all of our events can be a lot of work, it is something I love doing and it is a great way for me to keep active.”

Mr Steele, who has been rewarded for his efforts in the community at Trowbridge’s annual civic awards ceremony on two occasions, informed the Bath and West Wilts branch of his award at the AGM on February 13.