FORMER Norton councillor David Rogers revealed he had to read the letter at least four times before realising he’d been awarded the MBE for services to the community of Stourbridge.

He admitted: “I won’t really believe it until I’ve seen it in the papers, but I’m absolutely thrilled. It will take some getting used to, being an MBE.”

The 80-year-old former Conservative councillor from Lea Vale Road has made his mark on a variety of organisations throughout his life.

He spent more than 40 years involved in the scouting movement.

In the 1990’s, he took on the role of District Commissioner for Dudley and helped turn them around from a run-down district into a flourishing success.

He said: “We had very little cash at the time, but I helped them apply for grants which we used to obtain camping equipment, amongst other things.”

Mr Rogers also used his expertise when becoming chairman of fundraising at Oldswinford Hospital School and spearheaded the most successful group fundraising venture in the history of World Challenge Expedition that funded a trip to Ecuador.

Other involvements include his role as the inaugural chairman of the Friends of Mary Stevens Park in 2002.

He recalls: “The park is one of the jewels of Stourbridge, but it was suffering froma great deal of vandalism. The steps to the bandstand had been smashed twice.

“We set up a Friends group and worked closely with the police to put a stop to the vandalism.”

He was also both secretary and chairman of Stourbridge Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.

He’s also been a trustee director of Dudley Citizens Advice and has served at Communion at St Peter’s Church in Pedmore for over 30 years.

Mr Rogers also still finds time for his passion of fell walking and insists: “I’m a very active 80 year old. I’ve impacted on so many people’s lives without them ever realising.”

Child Support Agency executive officer Victoria Mokes from Kingswinford was also honoured with an MBE for services to the Child Support and voluntary services to Medical Counselling.