King's thanks to Yorkshire grandfather who has been a bell ringer for 65 years

David Town, awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM), said it was only possible because there are people surrounding him who have helped the whole team succeed. Now the grandfather from Northallerton, who has also worked on restoration schemes for local churches over the years, has said the recognition makes him feel "quite humbled".

"Bell ringing is a team effort," he said. "I've found it, over the years, to be a wonderful hobby. I've had enormous satisfaction, especially teaching people to ring. It's a good social activity," he added. "And we do it for a very good cause, people do enjoy hearing the church bells ring."

Mr Town's mother was a bell ringer. Now aged 75, he's been ringing for 65 years - and tower captain at All Saints for 50 - while his whole family have also embraced the sport. He said: “Over the years we've met a wonderful cross section of community. I used to look at bell ringers in their 60s and thought they were ancient... now I'm looking the other way. There are people of all ages, and backgrounds."

Mr Town, who also spent 30 years of his career fitting bell wheels and carrying out repairs before retirement, said the award comes as a complete surprise."I don't know who nominated me," he added. "I'm most grateful. It's something I shall certainly cherish. I shall tell my daughters (today). I hope they will be proud of me."