COMMUNITY-SPIRITED Bill Reed has been recognised for his service to Lyme Regis in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

The D-Day veteran has been awarded the MBE after more than 50 years of community and charity work in the town.

Mr Reed, of Anning Road, said he couldn’t quite believe it when a letter arrived from the Queen asking if he would accept the honour.

Mr Reed said he didn’t have to think twice to accept.

“I couldn’t believe it at the time,” he said. “But when it sunk in, I was over the moon that people out there recognise the work I have put into Lyme Regis.”

But it is work he is only too happy to do, despite now battling deteriorating sight. He said: “I have enjoyed every bit of what I have done.

“It brought me in touch with so many people. Despite what newspapers say, there are a lot of good people out there and they are always willing to help and lift you up, rather than drop you down.”

Mr Reed is currently receiving hospital treatment and said the happy news was just what he needed to cheer him up. “It has helped to lift me out of the doldrums,” he said.

The 87-year-old has been forced to cut back on his commitments lately and is mainly restricted to committee work and offering advice.

But it all started for Mr Reed when he came to Lyme Regis in 1945 for convalescence after serving with the Dorset Regiment in the Second World War.

He took part in the Normandy Landings where he was severely injured and lost an eye.

Having been born and brought up in London, he fell in love with Lyme and soon met his wife Win – next month they celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary.

Although Mr Reed says he would never leave the town, he admits he had never heard of Dorset when he was posted with the county’s regiment in 1941.

“I didn’t even know where Dorset was at the time,” he said. “When I went home and told my mother she said it was quite a queer coincidence because she was born in Dorset. Not only that, but she was born in Lyme Regis.”

After arriving in the town, he began working in Coleby’s, a gift shop, newsagents and china store, where he remained for more than 30 years.

Mr Reed got his first taste of community work in 1949 with the Old Folks’ Christmas Fund, helping to arrange a Christmas lunch in the Marine Theatre for 150 people.

He soon became involved with the Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion, serving as welfare secretary until recently and today as the vice-chairman.

He is now a life member of the legion and the holder of a coveted gold badge for 50 years’ membership.

Mr Reed said of all his community work, the RBL has been the highlight because it allows him to help so many people.

Branch chairman Ken Whetlor said Mr Reed’s MBE is well deserved. “If ever a person deserved recognition from the Queen, this is the man, and about time too,” he said.

There has since been no stopping Mr Reed, who has made contributions in the sporting, leisure and education sectors.

He was treasurer of the football club for 25 years and remains a trustee. He was instrumental in establishing the football ground on Charmouth Road and raised funds for the club by organising dances at the Marine Theatre, where he also worked behind the bar.

Mr Reed was also a governor for 10 years at St Michael’s Primary School and on the committee for the Over-70s Christmas Lunch.

Barbara Austin has worked alongside Mr Reed in her roles as football club president, Christmas lunch secretary and school governor. She said: “I am so pleased. Nobody deserves it more than he does. He was worked hard for many organisations in Lyme Regis.”

Mr Reed was secretary of the Lyme Regis Get Together Club for around 25 years and remains on the committee.

Daughter Margaret Kerr said: “Dad loves to be involved with people and to chat with people. He really likes to give rather than to receive. He is really happy to do anything to help anyone.”