MERIT AWARDS

They are presented each year to one individual and one organisation which has given outstanding service to the people of Littlehampton.

Presenting them, Little-hampton Mayor Wendy Squires said: "Both Bill and the staff and volunteers at the CAB have done a lot for the people of Littlehampton."

Nominations for individuals and organisations were submitted to the town council and the panel, comprising Wendy and former town mayors Andy Hawkes and David Dyball, had the task of deciding which was the most deserving.

Littlehampton CAB service manager Denny Hayward and resource manager Carol Groves received the award on behalf of the 30 volunteers who provide free, confidential, legal advice every day.

"They have all pulled together as a team through a very difficult year," said Wendy.

Staff and volunteers at the Littlehampton branch have had a lot to deal with, firstly due to the resignation of manager Carin Dean and then with the untimely death of her successor Stephen McGrath.

But despite this, staff have rallied round and continue to give excellent service to the people of Littlehampton.

"I think this award will be a big boost to our staff and volunteers," said Denny.

It was almost 62 years to the day that Littlehampton-born Bill Kelsey walked into the Manor House to join the ATC. He received his merit award on Monday afternoon, in the very same room where he had signed up to join the cadets.

Bill was delighted. "My first reaction was surprise," he said. "It's very good for the squadron."

The 77-year-old, who now lives in Rustington, joined the Air Cadets in 1941 and has been involved with the Littlehampton 1087 (Arun Valley) Squadron pretty much since its inception.

He took time out in 1943 to join the RAF as a Flight Sergeant and worked as an air signaller and radio telephone operator.

He left the RAF in 1947 and went back into the ATC in 1951 as a civilian instructor for the Littlehampton squadron.

He is also an active member of the RAF Association, having served on several committees, and he has won numerous awards and medals for his dedication to the RAF and the Air Cadets.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1984 and is now chairman of the ATC fundraising comittee.