A FORMER community warden has received a military medal in recognition of his service out in the Far East half a century ago.
Derek Mayes, 70, of Wharfedale Avenue, Thornton, served in the Royal Navy between 1959 and 1964, during which time he was stationed in Malaya.
Derek served in the wireless department aboard a minesweeper support ship HMS Woodbridge Haven.
In appreciation of the sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth forces, a number of medal presentations have been staged, including an event in Warrington last week.
Derek was there to proudly receive the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal, translated as Service to Malaysia Award.
He said “It was a long time ago, of course, but obviously I was very proud and delighted to go down and receive it.”
Derek and his former colleagues received the award from Brigadier General Othman Jamal, the defence attache to the Malaysian Embassy.
Born in London, Derek has spent much of his adult life on the Fylde coast. He was a dog handler with Fleetwood Police and later worked for Wyre Council.