A MILITARY veteran from Tenbury has been honoured for his long service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Brian Roberts first joined the RAF in 1957 and still helps out at 151 Leominster Squadron, where he helps support the air cadets. 

To say thank you for his long service, Mr Roberts was handed the Lord-Lieutenant's Certificate of Meritorious Service at a presentation at Hereford Town Hall. 

"It doesn't happen very often I think it one down from a MBE," said Mr Roberts. 

"I don't know anyone who has received it before. 

"It was very nice to receive it and was a pleasant ceremony."

The award is open to all serving members of the Royal Navy Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve, Army Reserve and RAF Reserves, as well as all adult members of the Combined Cadet Force, the Services Cotswold Centre, the Army Cadet Force, and Royal Air Force Air Cadets and civilians. 

Mr Roberts retired from the RAF when he was 61, but has continued to be a civilian instructor for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC).  

The 81-year-old also takes an active role in various committees in Tenbury having lived in the town for over 20 years. This includes the Tenbury Wells Chamber of Trade and Tenbury Transport Trust.

He is also the vice-president of Tenbury U3A, a group he formed in 2009 which connects various organisations in the town.  

"I've flown all over the place and ran the West Bromwich squadron for 25 years," said Mr Roberts. 

"It's been a varied sort of career." 

Flight Lieutenant Martin Fulloway, the commanding officer at 151 Leominster Squadron, said Mr Roberts is a valued member.

"His dedication to RAFAC is second to none and, at the ripe old age of 81, he shows no signs of slowing down," said Flt Lt Fulloway.

"Brian began teaching the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme in 1957, something he does to this day. He continues to motivate cadets to sign up to and complete their DofE Award and supports them throughout the process. 

"Brian turns up at the squadron on a Monday night as regular as clockwork and is a much loved and respected member of 151 Sqaudron by staff and cadets alike.

"He oversees the DofE Award scheme and keeps up morale amongst the staff with his collection of black country jokes."