CROPREDY resident Leslie Underdown, who has rung his local church bells for more than 70 years, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community.

He was also nominated for his work with the Royal British Legion, having been a member of the village branch since 1952.

He also helped set up the Cropredy Boat Club after the Second World War, while ringing the bells at St Mary the Virgin Church in the village.

The 85-year-old, who lives with his wife Sara, 64, said: “I was very surprised to hear about the award, but also a little bit embarrassed. I’m the type of person who usually likes to stay behind the scenes.

“I thought I was just a usual chap who lives in a small village, so I never expected anything like this to happen.”

Since joining the legion, he has been a committee member, the branch secretary and is currently the local president.

The former insurance broker, who has two sons – Graham, 61, and Martin, 57 – from a previous marriage, said: “I’ve had a lot of help from my family and people in the community over the years, and I’ve always been prepared to dig in when necessary.”