DUNCAN Hamlett, a member of the Rotary Club of Lunesdale, has been presented with the British Empire Medal.

The presentation was made at the Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Windermere in the presence of Jean Hamlett, daughter Jenny, son John and their families. Members of the Rotary club were also in attendance.

"It was a great privilege to receive the award with all my family and Rotarians who had helped with the nomination," Mr Hamlett said.

Mr Hamlett, High Casterton, was given the award for Services to Charities in the Queen's New Years Honours Awards.

He dedicates large amounts of his time to travelling through Cumbria and Lancashire, volunteering to speak about the work of Mary's Meals, Mercy Ships and Mission Aviation Fellowship - Flying for Life.

When told he was going to receive the award he said that he simply loved to meet people and spread the news about the good work of the charities.

"I have to be a good communicator with people I have never met before," he said. "I have got to get them interested in what I have come to talk about and at the end of the day when I leave there they have learned something."

As a result of the award, the 74-year-old was also invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace. He attended with his daughter, Jenny, and spoke to the Duke of Kent about the charities he works with.