THERE may be only a handful of youngsters who will aspire to reach the same dizzy heights of 'community service' as the late Cyril Franklin.

At the age of 64 he was one of the most prominent businessmen in the West Midlands but also found time to serve on boards and committees of schools and organisations throughout the county.

Alderman Franklin was a leading member of Hereford City Council and was its Conservative leader.

He was also a founder member of Hereford Rotary Club, which following his death on November 7, 1962, set up a memorial fund in his honour to award like-minded youngsters.

The highly prestigious accolade, which carries a prize of £100 and a shield, is now up for grabs once again.

"To be eligible, a young person must be between the ages of 16 and 21, be resident in the Hereford area and in the opinion of the proposers, have given outstanding service to the local community," stated the club's Paul Morris.

The worthy young 'Franklins' will claim their trophy during a special presentation ceremony at a meeting of the club and before selection nominees will be invited for an interview.

Alderman Franklin was a highly regarded figure in his day. Some of his best known legacies are his pioneering modern building frontages. His enterprises also included the large agricultural merchants Franklin Barnes and Co and the New Age Caf in Broad Street.

The community man, who lived life to the full, made the headlines of The Hereford Times in 1931, the year he married Ruth Hewer.

For their 'second honeymoon' the newlyweds booked places on the German airship, the Graf Zeppelin, for its 24-hour cruise around the British Isles. Their journey passed without incident but disaster struck later when the airship reached America.

Cyril Franklin was also president of the Hereford Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic Society. He was on the Hereford High School for Boys board of governors and was one of Coningsby Hospital's trustees.

Details of nominees for the Cyril Franklin Rotary Award should be sent to Paul Morris, 31 Broomy Hill, Hereford, HR4 OLJ. Tel 01432 271207 or 01432 344779.