A DEDICATED fundraiser and community volunteer has been recognised by the Queen for his 'legendary' service to Bridport.

Reginald Vivian May, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) by Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell at an investiture ceremony at Bridport Town Hall on Friday (28).

Mr May, known as Fido, said he was 'very honoured' to receive the award and was in playful form as he received his accolade in front of his family, friends and past colleagues.

He said: "I'm very honoured to be given this award, especially as it has come from the Queen's office.

"I have tried my damnedest over the last 48 years to help Bridport and the district.

"Bridport has changed massively over the years - but the support that the people of Bridport give to town of Bridport and the residents is outstanding. I have organised the remembrance parades for many years and in Bridport they still get such a huge turnout.

"It is nice to know that all the things I have been involved in are now in very safe hands."

Mr May, formerly of the Queen’s Royal Lancers, was Bridport and district RNLI president for many years and was presented with the institution’s gold badge by HRH the Duke of Kent in 2008.

At the time, he was only one of two people in Dorset to be awarded the badge in recognition of his work for the RNLI.

Mr May was also a member of the RNLI’s national committee of management for fundraising and was also chairman of the American and international committee which funded three lifeboats.

He already has a town plaque presented to him in 2012 for his work organising the town’s Remembrance Parade for four decades.

Awarding the medal to Mr May, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, spoke about his 'outstanding' contribution.

He said: "I am delighted to see so many families and friends here for this ceremony.

"This award is for the outstanding commitment to others and the tremendous work he has done and is doing unstintingly for over 40 years.

"His ability to motivate others and raise funds is legendary in and around Bridport. Here is a man whose contribution is truly outstanding."

Mr May has also dedicated his time to the Bridport Sea Cadets, the Royal British Legion and help bring about restoration work at Powerstock Church and St Mary's Church in Bridport.

Mayor of Bridport Sandra Brown also paid homage to Mr May's work.

She said: "I think it is absolutely wonderful that Fido has been recognised.

"He did so many things for me when I was the mayor before - he never missed a trick and you knew you were in really safe hands.

"I'm just so pleased that he's got this award after all the hard work he had put in over the years."