A LONG-serving member of Warminster Lions has picked up an international award in recognition of his drug and alcohol awareness work.

Alan Chapman, 59, has been active in The Lions for almost nine years providing material on drug and alcohol awareness for schoolchildren and teachers.

He picked up the award and certificate in recognition of his support for the movement's Youth Programme during the 2003-04 Lions District Convention on Hayling Island.

Mr Chapman was Warminster Lions President from 1999 to 2000 and was presented with the award by international director Patricia Shurley of Oklahoma at the weekend.

She said: "Lion Alan has worked with one of our most important partners, TACADE, to provide invaluable training for teachers.

"To actively promote this programme he has spent many hours negotiating grants from central and local government departments and the expertise acquired in the process is now being shared with other Lions districts in the British Isles and Ireland."

Mr Chapman has overseen the Annual Youth Award and Peace Poster Competitions as well as the Young Leaders in Service scheme.