A VETERAN Wyre Forest councillor admits he is only just beginning to realise his vast achievements as the accolades recognising his dedication start to roll in.

John Wardle, 84, began his political career on Wolverley Parish Council in 1949 and is still going strong - serving his home village 57 years on.

Wyre Forest District Council, which he has chaired on two separate occasions, bestowed on him the title of Honorary Alderman last year for his services to the community.

The staunch Labour man, who joined the party in 1942, was also honoured at a surprise County Hall reception for his work, which included a four-year chairmanship of the former Hereford and Worcester County Council in the mid-1990s.

Trimpley-born Mr Wardle, who has been married to Margaret for 61 years, entered politics to improve working and living conditions after the Second World War.

His biggest disappointment was never taking to the floor at Westminster as an MP, after standing at three general elections, including once contesting Kidderminster.

The former JP, who served for 37 years, including eight as chairman of the bench at Kidderminster Magistrates, described the controversial downgrading of the town hospital as the "greatest shock" of his political life.

He added: "I do feel like my work was denigrated by all that went on. It was a decision taken by politicians and I think I would still be chairman of the county council if it was not for that."

Mr Wardle was awarded an MBE after spending two years producing material and reporting to Parliament for the 1968 Transport Act.

His political career and job as operations manager at Birmingham's New Street Station gave the former train driver and rail fireman the chance to rub shoulders with many celebrities.

American first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, who Mr Wardle shared tea with on a three month round-the-world fact finding trip, former Prime Minister Harold Wilson and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother are just some of the famous names he has met.

In the late 1960s he played host to probably the most well-known man walking the planet, heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali, during a whistle-stop tour to Birmingham.

The Fairfield Lane resident recalled: "I will never forgot the reception he received outside. By the time he came back inside 30 seconds later his jacket buttons had been ripped off, half his tie was missing and even his shoelaces had gone. They absolutely mobbed him.

"I did not ask for his signature but he gave it to me to say thank you for looking after him. He was a charming man."