A DORSET resident has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his charitable work.

David Glossop, 66, moved to Drimpton last summer, after spending nearly ten years in Brittany, France.

He has just qualified to be a watchkeeper for the National Coastwatch Institution at the Burton Bradstock lookout.

He received the medal under the Diplomatic Service and Overseas listing of the New Year’s Honours list. The award states: ‘Voluntary worker, HMT Lancastria Association, for service to charitable work and to the British community in Northern France.’

Mr Glossop said he liked to help people. He created a branch of the Royal British Legion in Brittany – the central Brittany branch.

He also joined the Royal Naval Association and helped to organise their first annual conference outside the UK and worked with his wife Raye as a member of the HMT Lancastria Association.

The Lancastria was a liner used as a troop ship during the Second World War. It was sunk off the port of Saint-Nazaire in France, while taking part in Operation Ariel, the evacuation of British nationals and troops from France, two weeks after the Dunkirk evacuation.

Mrs Glossop’s father was a survivor of the tragedy and she has spent time helping to organise trips to the area. Mr Glossop got involved, helping to provide a link between those attending the annual events at St Nazaire and the French authorities. He said the honour came a huge surprise and he felt very honoured and very grateful.

Mr Glossop added: “It was a great surprise – a great thrill.”