A few drinks of Champagne with friends helped David Ashman celebrate his New Year’s honour of an OBE, awarded for his voluntary service to SSAFA Forces Help.

There will also be a few more glasses raised to mark his Order of the British Empire achievement as he plans to combine it with his 60th birthday in May.

Mr Ashman, of Richborough Road, Sandwich, shared his possible OBE honour with his wife Mary, but it remained a secret from their families until the official announcement.

He said: "I feel quite humble, especially as SSAFA has so many volunteers who do tremendous work.

"It is awkward to be singled out, but my grandchildren are tickled pink!".

Mr Ashman is a chartered accountant and is the county treasurer of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.

He is a partnership chairman of Reeves and Co, chartered accountants and financial advisors, based at St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury. He joined the firm in 1970 and was trained and qualified with Reeves.

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury, January 5.