Colonel Dick Stuckey, 92, from Adderbury, received a Helpfulness in the Neighbourhood Award.

Nominated by his parish council as: “An unsung hero”, Col Stuckey, above, became involved with his community after a distinguished military career. He has worked with the parish council, the Royal British Legion, and also established a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, which he ran for 21 years.

A founder member of the village’s gardening club, Col Stuckey was also the National Gardens Scheme representative for 15 years, raising significant funds for charities.

A founder member of Friends of Music in Adderbury, he has also helped the community’s musicians host more than 100 concerts, featuring many of the country’s most notable musicians.

The great-grandfather said: “I see this award not for me, but as a feather in the cap of the village of Adderbury.

“It is an energetic place, where people show real initiative, and as a result there are more than 24 clubs going at any one time.

“I may be 92, but I deplore the idea of just collapsing in front of the television.

“Being involved in the village has given me a great deal of pleasure.

“I was surprised and delighted to learn I had been nominated for this award and I will be handing it to my youngest daughter to add to our family history.”