Ref.10505ONE of Pewsey's best-known carnival stalwarts Cossor Goldsworthy has been presented with a long service award for 50 years' service as a Poppy Day collector.

Mr Goldsworthy, 84, received a long service medal on Friday from Pewsey's two Poppy Day collection organisers, Colin Tarrant and Peter Drinnan.

The village does not have a Royal British Legion branch but still honours those who fell in conflict by selling Poppies during the annual appeal.

Mr Goldsworthy, whose real name is Clifford but has been known by the nickname of Cossor since his school days, is the longest serving of the Pewsey collectors.

On Friday at a simple ceremony at the Bouverie Hall, Mr Tarrant said: "We are here today to honour our well known citizen Cossor, not for the carnival this time but for something that he has been involved in for many years.

"He was in the war and he came home safe and well. He has never forgotten his comrades in arms who did not come home.

"Ever since then he has been a stalwart collector for the Pewsey Poppy appeal.

"He has done this steadfastly in good weather and in bad and over the years he has collected an awful lot of money."

Mr Drinnan, who jointly presented the medal with Mr Tarrant, said: "Cossor is one of the best. He has been a carnival supporter for goodness knows how many years and we have always been able to rely on him turning out with his poppies and collecting tin every year."

Mr Goldsworthy, who was accompanied at the presentation by his wife Olive, said he planned to be on duty in the centre of the village with his box of poppies and collecting tin in November.

He served with the 5th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment and saw action in France, Germany and Holland.

In his younger days he was one of the leading players in Pewsey Vale Football Club.

Mr Goldsworthy said he was delighted with his Poppy Day award and said: "I plan to be down there in the centre of the village as usual this year."

Although Mr Goldsworthy has been known as Cossor throughout his life, since his school days, he does not know how it came about.

Every year he organises a huge second hand sale for the carnival, which has contributed thousands of pounds to the funds over the years.