A BEWDLEY man who has dedicated his retirement years to promoting Black Country heritage has been awarded the ultimate honour by the organisation keeping its traditions alive. Ray and Joyce with Elaine Harrison at the opening of the Sue Ryder shop in Bewdley in 1998.

Ray Weston, of Lower Park, was elected president of the Black Country Society, which has more than 2,600 members - some of whom live abroad.

The former headteacher set up the Wyre Forest branch of the society in 1988 and has since seen its membership grow to more than 70.

Mr Weston, 71, and his wife, Joyce, have worked tirelessly to bring Black Country history to life.

They formed the offshoot concert party branch, Cum Sing Wi' We, which has performed more than 1,000 times, raising over £56,000 for charity. Bostin'! Ray Weston celebrates becoming president of the Black Country Society with his wife Joyce.

Mr and Mrs Weston dress up in period costume as members of Nostalgia Unlimited, a role-playing group that stages productions at stately homes.

Brierley Hill-born Mr Weston described his elevation to president of the society during its annual meeting in Dudley as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity, adding: "It's the highest award a Black Countryman can have, to be recognised by fellow Black Countrymen."

The couple will have a busy year in office and intend to visit the society's various branches. "It's mainly a job of extending goodwill and giving recognition to what's going on," said Mr Weston.

"I feel honoured," he explained, "Although you don't go looking for recognition, it's nice when it comes."

He went on: "I said in my presidential address that being members of the Black Country Society has enriched our lives and given us quite a bit to do in retirement."

He added: "In our Wyre Forest branch we have attracted many people to become members who are not Black Country folk.

"Everybody's welcome."