THE winner of Marlborough’s citizen of the year award was simply blown away for receiving the accolade, which he earned due to his work for the Royal British Legion and other charitable causes.

Alec Light, of Orchard Road, could scarcely believe it when he was told he would be the town’s citizen of the year, thanks to the nominations from members of the community.

The 79-year-old has been fundraising for the Legion for decades, along with helping with its poppy appeal and fundraising for years and years from car boot sales for charities.

So when the former councillor was invited on stage for the Christmas light switch-on on Friday, it was all a bit too much for the born and bred Marlburian.

“I am absolutely over the moon to have received this. I cannot put into words how much this means to me. It was very emotional to receive it,” he said.

“I cannot thank people enough for nominating me for this award. I still cannot quite believe it. It came right out of the blue. To be recognised for the work I have done over the years means so, so, so, so, so much to me.

“I have been fundraising for the Legion and other charities since the Queen’s Silver Jubilee back in 1977 when we had a party in the High Street. I will keep on doing what I can for these causes too.”

Mayor Mervyn Hall was full of praise for Mr Light and thanked him for his service to the town.

This year there was no young citizen of the year award as not enough nominations were put forward.

At the light switch-on, Coun Hall said: “Alec, you have given so much to the town through your work with the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal and fundraising through years of Car Boot Sales for charities. Lots of time too with the Carnival Committee and you’ve been a Town Councillor too.

“Alec, you’re a true Marlburian. Many congratulations.”