A WELL-known local historian and retired civil engineer has received a top honour in recognition for his lifetime of work and his service to the isle of Portland.
Portland Town Council has granted Stuart Morris the Honorary Freedom of the Royal Manor of Portland - in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the history, community, and heritage of the island.
It is the highest honour a town council can bestow on an individual or organisation, recognising efforts of those who "demonstrate outstanding commitment and render eminent service".
Mr Morris entered the history books as Portland’s youngest town mayor in his early 30s.
In 1985, his first book - Portland: An Illustrated History - was published widely, and has been reprinted and updated several times since then - and remains the complete and definitive reference work for the island.
Speaking at the presentation, Mr Morris said: “I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful award given to me.
"I was overwhelmed by the tributes given and I will always cherish the lovely framed scroll.”
Mr Morris has published a number of other works; Portland Camera (1990); Discover Dorset: Portland (1998, 2009); Portland, A Portrait in Colour (2002); Weymouth, A Portrait in Colour (2004); Portland Then and Now (2006) and Dorset: The Royal Navy (2011).
He has regularly appeared on television and radio to talk about the island.
Mr Morris was a civil engineer, starting with the local authority in Weymouth, where - apart from a brief spell in Sussex - he remained until his retirement as Highways Agency Manager aged 57 in 2000.
Throughout his career, he professionally managed numerous local projects, including town centre traffic management and pedestrianisation schemes in Weymouth.
One of the most challenging schemes was for sea defence works at Portland’s Chesil Beach.
For many years he has given presentations to community groups all over the county on a vast array of topics linked to the local community, and he continues to be in demand well into his 80s.
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Mr Morris also received the Lifetime Contribution Award from Portland's Court Leet.
His prize - an honorary oak Reeve Staff embossed with a hand-engraved sliver plaque - was presented to him by Dorset's High Sheriff Anthony Woodhouse.
Crown Local Agent and Court Leet Bailiff Gerry Hinde said: "With Portland — an Illustrated History — Stuart wrote the seminal work on Portland's heritage, among other important works.
"His more than 400 YouTube videos about Portland have garnered more than five million views since 2008, putting us on the map globally. His huge body of work represents a vital contribution to our history and heritage.
"But to consider Stuart merely as a historian completely misses the point. Stuart is among our island's finest ever advocates, ambassadors, campaigners and fighters."
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