A COMMUNITY servant with almost 70 years of service has been honoured by the Queen.
Frederick Hobbs, of Prestatyn, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for community services to the town in the New Year’s Honours list.
The 91-year-old, who was a sergeant in the Army between 1939-1945 instructing radar operators, said he was “flattered” by the award.
“They asked me if I wanted it, so I said yes,” said Mr Hobbs, of Clwyd Avenue.
“I’m no hero.
“I never thought I was entitled for something like this. It is very nice.”
He first started helping the community in the 1940s as a member of the Presbyterian Players, a drama group based at Prestatyn Presbyterian Church.
Mr Hobbs, whose wife of 58 years Sonia died eight years ago, also organised a float for Prestatyn Carnival for a number of years.
He is chair of Prestatyn History Group, and a member of the Scala and Frith Beach friends groups as well as being a member of Prestatyn and District Environment Association.
“If anyone asked me to do something for the town I would do it,” said Mr Hobbs, who has two sons and two grandsons.
“I don’t think I have ever refused to do something for Prestatyn, I would do anything to help out.”
Life-long Prestatyn resident Mr Hobbs has also been involved in fundraising for the NSPCC, an organisation he became involved with thorough his wife.
He worked as a mechanic, retiring at the age of 78, having finished his career at Pontins and along with his wife set up a the Cafe Am social club for elderly people in the town.
Sophia Drew, secretary of the Environment Association, is helping Mr Hobbs finish a book on the history of Prestatyn.
She said: “He is a wonderful character. He has the strength of an ox and the mind of a 25-year-old.
“It is great news for him. He is a great character and he is loved by us all very dearly.
“Along with Sonia he was know for bringing people together.”
She added: “He would do anything for anyone.”