A VOLUNTEER who helped set up the Hereford branch of the Samaritans has officially received an MBE.

Charles Gething Lewis, who is from Ross-on-Wye, was named in the most recent Queen's Birthday Honours list to receive an MBE for services to Samaritans and the community in Herefordshire.

Mr Gething Lewis began his role as chair of trustees at the Hereford branch in 1972, helping not only to set up the branch but also building its success over the last 45 years.

Over the years he has had a range of roles, raising the profile of the branch through local media and helping to secure crucial funding to keep it running for the community.

He visited Buckingham Palace along with his wife Angela and two sons Neale and Patrick to receive the MBE.

The award was carried out on behalf of the Queen by HRH Prince Charles, who is also the Patron of Samaritans.

Mr Gething Lewis said: "It was a really tremendous day, we enjoyed it immensely. It was an enormous privilege and I was very conscious of the fact I was a member of the team – I have said to many people I really wanted to accept it on behalf of the branch of the Samaritans.

"We had a family celebration at a hotel the night before and then my son drove us to Buckingham Palace the next morning. As we drove in, the Queen drove out to launch the HMS Queen Elizabeth war ship."