A LIFE dedicated to the service of old soldiers has been rewarded by the people of Guisborough.

Dick Roddam, chairman of the Royal British Legion in the town, was made Citizen of the Year by Guisborough Town Council.

It was given for his services to the legion, his standard bearing skills, his dedication in raising more than £50,000 by selling Remembrance poppies and his services to the friends and families of terminally ill ex-servicemen.

Mayor Barbara Punshon said Mr Roddam had joined the Coldstream Guards in 1958 and joined the Royal British Legion in 1964 at the age of 24. In 1973 he was trained to be a standard bearer and since then has won local and regional competitions for his skills.

Councillor Punshon said: "Over the years Dick has helped the families of any old soldier who dies, to carry out their wishes by liaising with the undertaker and the vicar.

"In order to do this he takes time off work using his holiday entitlement and because of this, Dick and Brenda have never been on holiday for more than a long weekend."

Councillor Bill Clarke, a member of the legion, said: "Dick is a quiet, unassuming man, but is somebody of whom we can all learn from.

"He never tells anybody what he does, so it comes down to awards like this so that we can tell people of his achievements."

Accompanied by his wife, Brenda, at the ceremony, Mr Roddam said: "I would like to thank you all for what you have done today, it means a great deal and it is a privilege to be awarded this award."