A MEDAL marking the achievements of a former air raid controllor has been donated to a council.

Ellis Whatley was awarded the MBE in the 1942 New Year Honours list for actions beyond the call of duty while he was in charge of air raid precautions in the town.

His son,Arthur, yesterday donated the medal to Middlesbrough Council to be held in trust.

It is likely to be exhibited in the Dorman Museum.

Mr Whatley was in charge at the Middlesbrough air raid control centre, having been appointed joint officer in-command in 1939.

He became a co-opted councillor in Middlesbrough in 1940 and represented the Linthorpe ward as a Civic Association representative. He was elected as an alderman in 1952.

His son handed over the medal to council chairman, Councillor Peter Porley.

Mr Whately junior, who served in the RAF throughout the war, said: "My father was extremely public-spirited and I feel this is something which he would have wanted.

"He also contributed a great deal to the town's life and I hope that can be commemorated."

Coun Porley said: "This is an extremely generous gesture which will help more people share in and learn from part of the town's history.

"Ellis Whatley was a man with a tremendous record of public service. I am delighted we are able to commemorate that."

Published: 20/12/2003