A LATE recipient of Pembroke’s annual civic awards was presented with his recognition from the town by Pembroke Mayor Dai Boswell last Thursday, June 29.

Christopher Cousens was unable to attend the April awards evening, due to being in hospital.

He was presented with his certificate of commendation for devoting the majority of his life to helping develop personal social and educational skills of hundreds of local children for more than 40 years.

He has done this though being involved in scouting, swimming, St John Ambulance, teaching, youth clubs and life-saving.

Chris has enhanced the life in some way of every child who has encountered him. Chris treats everyone with the same equality and respect regardless of their social or educational background.

He has helped numerous children with special educational or physical needs, teaching them to swim or improving their education.

“Chris is unique - he is a natural teacher and true altruist,” said Town Clerk Suzie Thomas. “He gives the absolute majority of his spare time to improving the lives of others, expecting nothing in return. He ensures full inclusivity for everyone, whether writing a story for the scout camp or delivering St John training. His uniqueness is evident when you see the children and adults in his audience completely wrapped in what he's saying.

“Without Chris, it is true to say that the lives of hundreds of our children, many now adults with children of their own, would be a little less rich.”