A FORMER Army major who was awarded an MBE took the salute from his hospital bed.

David Tovell, 87, was given the prestigious honour for his services to the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Families Association while receiving hospital treatment.

The organisation helps former service people who need financial support and specialist equipment such as wheelchairs.

Mr Tovell, who served in the Royal Engineers and was later commanding officer of the bridging camp at Wyke Regis, could not collect his MBE after being hospitalised due to ill-health.

Instead, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Captain Michael Fulford-Dobson, visited Mr Tovell, of Spring Avenue, Weymouth, on John Talbot Ward at Weymouth Community Hospital.

Mr Tovell's son John said: "My father was awarded an MBE earlier this year and was hoping to collect it from the Lord Lieutenant himself.

"But unfortunately he has been hospitalised recently due to ill-health so that was not possible. Instead the Lord Lieutenant, who was in full naval uniform, took time to come down and present dad with the MBE on the hospital ward.

"It was a great occasion, with a little party put on as well, and I'm sure dad felt really honoured.

"The nurses were fantastic, as were the other patients, because I guess it is not every day something like this happens."

Mr Tovell, who is married to Mollie, served in France and the Far East during the Second World War.

After the conflict he spent time in the Middle East and Germany.

Mr Tovell, who has another son Steve, later became commanding officer at the bridging camp at Wyke Regis before retiring in 1970, said John.

Despite bowing out, Mr Tovell continued his link with the services through his work for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Families Associa-tion.

"Dad worked as a case worker for the association which involved him visiting people who requested help," said John.

He added: "Dad has a lot of memories from his service over the years and to see him receive an MBE was quite a touching moment."