A TROWBRIDGE Lion has received an award in recognition of his 44 years of service.

Richard Culverhouse was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship award, the highest award given by Lions Club International Foundation.

Mr Culverhouse was one of the first to form the Trowbridge Lions Group back in 1974 after the Bradford on Avon lions club was formed.

He said: “It was such a shock when I was told during the evening that I was getting the award.

“I had absolutely no idea that it was going to be presented.

“I have spent virtually all my life in Trowbridge and had a printing business business here.

“I felt it an honour back in 1974 when I was invited to be a charter member and form the new club as Bradford on Avon is our mother club.

“Being part of the largest ‘Service’ organisation in the World of 1.4 million members has been a part of my life for over 44 years and getting this award is just unbelievable and an honour.”