THE Mayor of Pershore and longest-serving firefighter in Britain has been made an MBE for his services to both the fire brigade and the community of his home town.

Chris Parsons, who divides his time between his job as sub officer of Pershore fire station and his fifth term of office as Mayor, received the honour at Buckingham Palace last week.

The 52-year-old, who joined the fire service as a junior auxiliary fire fighter in 1963, told the Evening News his day at the palace would be memorable - not least because Lord Luce, the Lord Chamberlain, collapsed during the investitures as Chris stood before the Queen.

"It caused quite a commotion", he said. "But after checking that he was all right, the Queen continued as if nothing had happened!

"In addition to the usual correspondence received from the Palace, I have now received a letter from the Lord Chamberlain apologising for the distraction."

Chris added he had been apprehensive about meeting the Queen but said she was lovely and receiving his MBE was a real honour.

"I have been privileged to work with a tremendous team at Pershore, both at the fire station and in the community, and without everyone's help and support I could not have achieved the award," he said.

"And I pay tribute to my wife Jan who has been with me every step of the way."