A WORCESTER war veteran has been rewarded for his

dedication to helping other

ex-servicemen.

Ninety-year-old John Hewlett, whose selfless fund-raising has helped raise more than £380,000 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, has been presented with the legion's National Life Membership award.

Mr Hewlett, of Windsor Avenue, St John's, said he has his wife Betty to thank.

He said: "Betty was the secretary for a number of years and she is so supportive. I share the honour with her.

"I am pleased and I appreciate whoever nominated me. I got a nice letter from the national chairman in London and a wonderful badge to wear."

Mr Hewlett stepped down as chairman of the Worcester City branch in 2004. He joined the legion after he left the Navy in 1948 and has laid a wreath to mark the end of the Second World War every year since 1947.

Two life-long friends from Malvern have also been rewarded for their work with the Royal British Legion. Dennis Cottrell and Colin Hammond, both aged 75,

have been given the legion's Gold Badge.

The pair have been friends since they were children. They went to the same schools in Malvern and they worked together in the building trade.

They have clocked up more than 100 years of service, having joined the West Malvern branch of the legion in 1953.

Mr Cottrell, who has been secretary and treasurer for 21 years, said: "The award is for all we have done over the years and it is wonderful we have been recognised at the same time."

Shaun McCarthy, county secretary, said: "These awards are not given as a matter of course, they go to the people who really do deserve it."

The awards were made at the annual county conference at County Hall, Worcester.