Bill gets top award

Bill Hampshire, of Terminus Avenue, attended the Barbican Theatre, London, recently to be presented with the RNLI's top civilian prize - the gold bar to add to his gold badge.

He was received the award from the Duchess of Cornwall.

Mr Hampshire has been raising money for the charity since the early 1960's.

The gold bar award is presented to people who raise funds for the organisation or run lifeboat stations.

He said: "Ten years ago I was given the gold award for long service and I was put forward for the bar.

"Obviously I'm proud to be recognised. I have been a part of it for a long time."

A former bank manager, Mr Hampshire was already doing volunteer work for another branch of the RNLI before moving to the town in 1971.

"I just carried on," he said. "As chairman I would organise any activity that we had. We have a monthly coffee morning and various other collections. We have a very active fundraising committee.

"I have spells as chairman and then they make me president, which is a more ceremonial role."