GAZETTE & HERALD: Years of distinguished military service and dedicated charity fund-raising have resulted in the award of an MBE for Stephen Stewart in the New Year's Honours List.

Mr Stewart, from Pewsham in Chippenham, retired from the Army as a Sergeant Major in April and in recognition of his outstanding military career attended the Queen's Garden Party in 2004.

He said: "I don't think it has sunk in yet it was a big shock. But I'm very pleased about it."

He did not receive any prior notification of the award of the MBE and was in Germany to celebrate the New Year when a phone call from his regiment on New Year's Eve gave him the good news.

Mr Stewart, 40, saw active service all over the world including Bosnia and the first Gulf War.

He comes from a family with a distinguished military history. His great-grandfather served in two world wars with a total of 36 years' military service in the Royal Marine Light Infantry and Royal Marine Police.

His grandfather served for 22 years in the Army, also retiring as a Warrant Officer and his father Peter Stewart served in the Royal Air Force for 22 years.

All received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.

Mr Stewart, who is married to Sharon and has a 19-year-old son, Daniel, is also a committed charity supporter and over the years has raised £26,000 cycling for children's charities.

He is now working for Camberley Autofactors.