Ian Fisher received a certificate of achievement from his fellow British Legion members.

For his 'exemplary service and dedication,' Ian has been working for The Legion for 40 years.

He was surprised to be the one who was chosen for the award, he said: "I was totally amazed by it - I was nominated by a fellow legion member.

"However I always feel a bit embarrassed on these occasions because I've been in the legion for 40 years and I've never been in any of the Armed Forces.

"I've been there because I believe in what it stands for and what it does but there's more people to be recognised in the legion, for what they did in the past, the Armed Forces Days, and what they've done for their fellow veterans."

"The veterans when they came over from the Second World War needed all the help they could get and the legion was there for them and I hope it will always be there for the people who come back after dealing with these conflicts throughout the world.

Ian was tearful when they were reading out why he deserved the award and was surprised to hear his name. "It was emotional, especially when my daughter down in London had seen the news and she was chuffed to bits and crying and also my son being proud of us.

"It was a lovely day and to have friends there made it special. I felt good.

"I would like to thank my partner Ruth for her patience and understanding, there's always a good woman behind a good man."

Ian was recognised for his contributions in the community with his work for the poppy appeal, what he had done for the county and for his local branch in Brantsy.

Ian was involved in "difficult times" for the county and the branch regarding sustaining memberships and creating the activities to spread awareness for veterans and keep the British Legion going.

"Thankfully we got through everything and we're strong as ever now."

Ian will be celebrating 100 years of the British Legion at Westminster Abbey, he said: "We've been invited to go down there, I think it's only for chairmen to reduce the numbers.

"It's one hell of a privilege and a fantastic thing to go and see and be involved with."

I've just felt

The sad thing is they're getting younger