A FORMER Dorset Police inspector has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) at a ceremony.

Les Fry, who served for 28 years in the force, received the award in the New Years Honours and has now been presented with the medal.

Mr Fry, through his voluntary work for more than 30 years across Dorchester and west Dorset, has made a significant difference to the lives of the people from across the area.

Dorset Echo:

He is now both a councillor for Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council.

Mr Fry said: "It's wonderful to be nominated and great to receive the award.

"It's a honour to serve my community."

A spokeswoman from Dorset Council said: "He was an outstanding inspector with Dorset Police, and on retirement has continued to serve his community in so many ways, most recently as a Dorset Councillor.

"His skill lies in identifying worthwhile projects and inspiring others with his passion and dedication to work with him as a team to bring them to fruition.

"In particular, he has done so much to support young people in the town and guide them in the right direction.

"He has achieved this as Chairman of Trustees for the Dorchester Youth and Community Centre, and in getting behind the young people’s desire to build a skatepark.

"This successful and much-used facility has resulted in a 33 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour.

"His energy and drive is admired by many and his commitment to the local population is unquestionable.

"During the Covid restrictions, he worked to encourage and organise 35 volunteers to deliver food and prescriptions to those in need.

"His unflustered, wise and pragmatic demeanour is widely recognised in the town and he is able to inspire others through respect and his selfless commitment to his community."

Dorset Echo:

Mr Fry has worked across a host of community projects including Dorchester Skate Park, Dorchester Beerex, Dorchester Youth & Community Centre, establishing One World Multicultural Festival following a racist attack in Dorchester, Rotary Christmas Draw (fundraiser for local small not-for profit groups and organisations), Rotary Small Grants Scheme, Establishment of the Prince of Wales Schools PTA, Kingston Maurward ‘Farmwatch’, Dorchester ‘Great Field’ Parkrun, Dorchester Disabled Cycle Ride, Dorchester Carnivals, Computer Recycling for young people both in Dorset and Kenya, The Dorchester Marathon, and recently the Covid-19 Volunteer Response Force.

Mr Fry was presented with the honour by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell on behalf of The Queen at a ceremony at County Hall, in Dorchester.