A dedicated and hard-working Oswestry volunteer has been recognised for his years of service.

Bill Bowen was named in the New Years Honours list having been involved in numerous organisations for over 50 years including the Oswestry Lions Club, St Oswald's Parish Church, the Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen, and the Oswestry Freemasons.

On Sunday, the 87-year-old was presented with his British Empire Medal (BEM).

He told the Advertizer: "It is fantastic. I was so stunned when I got the letter in November.

"I do enjoy volunteering. I really enjoy putting something back into live for which I have shared."

Bill said keeping the secret of his BEM for four week was difficult and he only shared the news with his wife before telling his daughter once the embargo was lifted at the end of December.

He added: "It spread quickly – within 10 minutes it was on Facebook!"

Bill was presented with his BEM during the Sunday service at St Oswald's Parish Church in Oswestry by the Lord Lieutenant for Shropshire, Anna Turner.

It was her first BEM presentation.

The service was followed by a celebratory lunch in the Parish Centre.

And the celebrations continue for Bill as he has been invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, and beforehand will be a guest of Owen Paterson, North Shropshire MP, when he will go on a tour of the Houses of Parliament.