A Whittlesey man, described as a "shining example of community spirit", has become only the second person to be awarded the town's top award.
Wally Newman, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Christmas Eve, has been awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Town of Whittlesey for his dedication to his hometown and to his country.
The decision to present Wally with the honour was made at a meeting of Whittlesey Town Council at the end of last year, when Cllr Barry Wainwright proposed the honour be conferred on him, which was unanimously agreed by fellow councillors.
A special celebration was held at the council's headquarters in Peel House, with friends, family, and councillors in attendance.
Wally, who was given a standing ovation by those present, explained he had moved to Whittlesey in 1989 after deciding it would be a "nice place to retire" following visits to family.
Once settled in the town, he said he joined clubs and organisations, including the branch of the Royal British Legion, transferring from his previous branch.
He has been a member of the RBL since 1947, having served in the Royal Navy, which he joined at the start of World War Two, having lied about his age to get in.
Wally told those present that having joined the clubs and groups, he found himself being given various jobs within them.
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He has held all the various positions within the RBL branch and is currently the organisation's president.
Current RBL chair, Tony Cattermole, paid tribute to Wally describing him as an "inspiration" and someone who "gets things done".
Wally still plays the tenor drum and has helped organise the band for many years.
Tony showed off a special certificate sent to Wally by the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the highest-ranking officer in the Royal Navy, which thanked Wally for his service and described him and his generation as an "inspiration" to modern-day sailors and marines.
Wally, who is a widower, was presented with his citation, which read: "In recognition of his service to the country and to Whittlesey, and for being a shining example of community spirit," by Whittlesey mayor Alex Miscandlon, who also handed over a special medal marking the honour.
Wally was the second person to receive the award, following former Whittlesey mayor Kay Mayor, who received it last year for her 37 years of service as a councillor.
Wally's commitment to the town includes giving his time going into schools and other youth organisations to talk about his experiences during the war.
In November, Wally was among the throng to attend the special Royal British Legion commemoration event, and locals were happy to spot him among the audience on the live television broadcast.
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