A Beccles and District Lions member has received a special recognition award.

During the recent charter dinner Keith Moore, president of the club, presented Dermot Wesley-Smith with the Melvin Jones Fellowship. Mr Moore said: “The Melvin Jones Fellowship is the highest accolade a Lion’s member can have bestowed upon them. It’s given to an individual for their dedication and outstanding service to Lionism over many years.

“Dermot has served as welfare and service chairman within the club for many years and is always keen to help those individuals less fortunate. His tireless work and dogged enthusiasm is a fine example to us all.

“Dermot has been an ever present figure within the community of Beccles too and is still very active within the May Centre despite only recently retiring as its chairman.

Mrs Wesley Smith said: “This is a total surprise and an unexpected honour to become a member of the Melvin Jones Fellowship.

“I don’t know what to say. I know I couldn’t have done what I have done over the last 35 years without the support and patience of my wife Christine, she has supported me totally over the years and that has enabled me to do more work for the Lions and in turn for the community. “I really do enjoy my role as chairman of the welfare and service committee within the club.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow club members for acknowledging me in this way, although really we are all in this together helping people wherever we can.”

For more information about the Lions call Janet Ramsden on 01502 514284 or visit www.beccleslions.org.uk.