A LANGHO man has received the highest possible accolade from the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

Grahame Threlfall has been named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the foundation in recognition of his commitment to serving the world community.

Melvin Jones was the founder of Lions Clubs International.

Mr Threlfall has been a member of Blackburn Lions for more than 15 years.

He is currently gala chairman and has held various officers' posts in the past, including that of president.

Les Browning, secretary of Blackburn Lions, said clubs had the option of nominating members to become Melvin Jones fellows if they felt someone's contribution merited it.

Only four such awards had been presented in the Blackburn club's 38-year history.

Mr Browning said: "Graham is a man who has put a lot of time and effort into serving others."

Mr Threlfall has been presented with a plaque and a lapel pin.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.