A Saundersfoot postmaster has been presented with the British Empire Medal.

Chris Williams was awarded the BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours earlier this year for services to the Royal Mail and charitable fund-raising.

He received the award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, in a ceremony at County Hall, Haverfordwest, on Monday.

The official citation described him as ‘somewhat of a local celebrity due to his strong connection with the community’.

The citation, read by Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Tony Brinsden, went on: ‘As the local postman, he never fails to have a smiling face for his customers and public and is certainly a credit, promoting Royal Maul with his red van whilst on delivery in the village.’

It also paid tribute to his fund-raising efforts.

Mr Williams helped establish the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day charity swim and has helped raise over £500,000 for 50 different charities over the years.

He also raised money for a Royal Mail colleague whose daughter needed a life-changing operation.