ROTARY Club of Royal Wootton Bassett has received a medal in recognition of the thousands of pounds it has raised for Help For Heroes over the years.

Past president and the ambassador for Help for Heroes from the club, Colin Sweet, and senior vice-president Hayley Woodall visited Tedworth House in Tidworth to receive the special medal.

The club was presented with the medal by the military charity as a thank you for the £14,000 the club has raised during the past six years through sales of their annual charity calendar.

Rotary Club president Ceri Pridding said: “It was just such an amazing honour. We raise money for charities because we want to support them and help them continue the good work that to do. To have them then turn around and give us something in return is just so unexpected and touching.

“It was an honour in itself just to be nominated, but to win the medal as well – it really was very moving.”

The club was among 36 individuals and nominees chosen to take part.

The presentation was all the more moving for the club considering the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan this week.

Mrs Pridding said: “But for all the boys and girls that made that ultimate sacrifice there are hundreds who were flown into Birmingham and went to Tedworth House to rehabilitate and learn to live without a limb, and that’s a life-long injury.

“It’s not being able to work in the job you loved doing any more and the impact on your future career prospects as well.”

The Rotary Club’s inaugural black-tie Remembrance charity ball is today to raise money for the SSAFA.

Tickets cost £35, from Mrs Pridding on 01793 854136; or email: rwbrotaryevents@gmail.com