A war veteran who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the families of soldiers killed in action has won the Medway Messenger Pride in Medway Award.
Bill Strong, 96 was presented with his award on Saturday 27th February at the end of the ceremony, when he was given an standing ovation.
Bill who has served as a Maritime Royal Artillery gunner, has been a volunteer for the the Royal British Legion for more than 50 years.
Last year alone along with other volunteers from the RBL he has helped to raise over £16,000 from generous shoppers at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, during one week in November 2009.
Nominating Bill Strong, Su Button Hempstead Valley's marketing executive said, "Bill is a lovely chap with a real twinkle in this eye and he will always have a chat with our customers.
"He proudly wears his medals along with all the other veteran servicemen that collect at Hempstead Valley."
Pride in Medway is sponsored by Medway Council, mhs homes, the University of Kent, the Medway Messenger and this year's new sponsor E.ON. Kingsnorth plant manager Alan Sanderson said: "This is the first year that e.on has sponsored the pride in Medway awards and we are proud to do so.
"Our local stations at Grain and Kingsnorth can help power local homes and businesses but it takes people to light up their communities - the type of people recognised by the Pride in Medway awards."
More on the awards in the Medway Messenger out today, Monday, and full coverage in Friday's paper
