A Hereford man has received a rare tribute from locally-based 22 SAS Regiment.

He has been wined and dined at regimental headquarters and presented with an unusual gift, a large picture depicting symbols of life in the SAS.

It was the men's way of expressing their appreciation to Harold Morgan for his unstinting work over the years for the Army in general, and the SAS in particular.

The picture is entitled 'Always a Little Further' and a brass plate underneath bears the words To Harold Morgan for many years of hard work from 22 SAS.

999 role

"I am really overwhelmed at the way they have treated me,'' said Harold, who lives in Westfaling Street.

Best known in Herefordshire as a former ambulance officer - he was in the service for 22 years, ending up as Station Officer at Grafton - Harold played a leading role in raising money for a stained glass window in honour of the SAS to be provided in St Martin's Church and now gives a lot of his time to ensure SAS graves in the churchyard are well maintained.

The team rector at St Martins, the Rev Peter Haddleton said for 20 years Harold had been the lynch pin of the regimental link with the churchyard and the key co-ordinator between the church and the SAS. The parish would be making its own presentation to him in the near future.

Harold is the son of a war hero. His late father Sgt William Morgan of Wormbridge won the Military Medal for bravery while serving with the 24th of Foot (South Wales Borderers) during the first world war.

Harold's own interests in the military were spelled out at the 'dining out' of a Warrant Officer at SAS HQ where he was a guest.

A large gathering heard how he received the Defence Medal at the end of the last war and then joined The Royal Engineers where he served for three years.

Much of his spare time afterwards was with the Royal Monmouthshire Engineers (Militia).

It was the Falklands War that forged his interest with the SAS and his suggestion they should have a proper memorial window in St Martins Church.

Harold gave a lot of time to fundraising, being instrumental in gaining the support of the late King Hussain of Jordan who sent a cheque for £10,000.

In the end there was enough money for the window, and another one in the chapel within Stirling Lines.

Harold has great respect for the SAS and has grieved with them through their tragedies.

He has been there to help on many occasions and is dedicated to ensuring that the last resting place of many of the soldiers in St Martin's Churchyard is kept to the highest standard.