Bill Brown says receiving the British Empire Medal for services to the community in Coalville came 'out of the blue'.

The former Royal Engineer was recognised in King Charles' first honours list at the weekend.

Bill, 72, has worked with a number of charities in the Coalville area as well as starting the Coalville Armed Forces Breakfast Club.

But he admits the award came as a surprise to him when he received the letter telling him of the honour.

Bill told Coalville Nub News: "It came right out of the blue a few weeks ago? They wrote to me and said: 'You've been considered for an award in the King's Birthday Honours. Would you accept it? 

"I said yes. A lot of people say no, they don't want an award. That's up to them.

"But I never expected anything like that.

"There was a bit of a do at the Snibstone New Inn on Sunday night - and the landlady had a few nice words. But we were there for the ex-servicemen's beer 'n banter night anyway."

Bill made the news known on his own Facebook page and said: "It is with much pleasure that I inform you that I have today, in the King's Birthday Honours for 2023, been awarded the BEM. The citation reads: William Austin Brown. For services to the community in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Bill's honour was recognised at the Snibstone New Inn in Coalville on Sunday evening. Photo: Craig Smith

"I am overjoyed, and wish to thank everyone who has assisted me, over the years, in supporting the best Town, in the best County, in the best Country. I could not have received this without your backing."

The list of charities Bill is involved with makes you realise how much of a role he plays in the community.

He described how the Veterans' Breakfast Club started - and how it has gone on to prove to be a lifeline for ex-serviceman around the world.

Bill said: "It began a few years ago, and now there's 450 worldwide. We've just opened on cruise ships. 

"The aims is to bring servicemen 'back to the tribe'. Yes. Because by the nature of service life, you don't ask for help, you get on with what you've got. 

"A lot of them are in dire straits, the family has passed away, with nothing to hang on to. But the Breakfast Club gives them somewhere to go - it gets them out of the house. All you do is pay for your breakfast. 

"On the back of that, I was approached by Age UK and we started a Veterans' Coffee Morning which is still going now. That started at the Hermitage FM cafe, and it's still there every month.

"After that, we had Beer 'n Banter on the third Sunday of every month. That's where everyone gathers to tell lies about places they haven't been and things they haven't done! And we'll do it again next month."

Bill has also been involved with Taste for Adventure, the Royal British Legion, Feed the Need and Help for Homeless, as well as running the Coalville Memorial and Sensory Gardens, and the Coalville Diabetes Support Group.