A COMMUNITY stalwart has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to charity following his “inspirational” support for Veterans Aid.

Robert Clinton, 71, who lives in Stradishall, near Newmarket, has been honorary treasurer and trustee of Veterans Aid for the last six years, providing the financial advice and guidance that has sustained it through recession.

The charity helps those who have served in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force or Merchant Service and are in crisis, homeless or likely to become homeless.

Mr Clinton said: “It has been a great privilege to have been associated with Veterans Aid over the last six or so years and I am most honoured to receive this award, which I consider is as much for the great team running the charity as it is for myself.”

Veterans Aid’s chairman Brigadier Johnny Ricketts said Mr Clinton’s drive and enthusiasm has led to a complete modernisation of the charity’s finance and governance system.

“The change of fortunes that he helped deliver has been so successful that Veterans Aid recently won a European Business Award for business transformation.

“His wise council has helped to turn this relatively unknown charity into one of the most important organisations of it kind.”

CEO Dr Hugh Milroy added his support for the charity had been “inspirational”.

Robert Clinton joined Veterans Aid after a distinguished career in the City and in industry. He served in the Honourable Artillery Company in the 1960s.