A FORMER lecturer who has worked tirelessly for the community since 1953 has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

Roy Cross, who served as both Richmond’s mayor and chairman of Richmondshire District Council three times between 1979 and 1997, said he was thrilled that his efforts to improve the town had been recognised.

The 86-year-old said his involvement in the community had started when he helped establish the Richmond Round Table and that he had performed another fundraising role as chairman of the Friends of Richmond Victoria Hospital, for which he organised an annual local artists’ exhibition.

He said his proudest achievement as a councillor was the construction of a pedestrian footbridge over the River Swale in the town.

Mr Cross, who together with his wife, Pamela, was made a freeman of the town last year, said he had been involved with Richmond School for 40 years and served as its chairman of governors and as a director of Hambleton and Richmondshire Partnership against Crime.

He was also the founder chairman of the town’s British Heart Foundation branch, the chairman of Richmond District Scout Council and a director of Richmond Theatre Royal.

Mr Cross said: “Looking back, it seems like a different life and I couldn’t have done anything without my wife’s support.

“Among the highlights for me was writing and directing three reviews, including Olla Podrida, for the Theatre Royal.”