A PEMBROKE octogenarian was recognised for his contribution to the community last month (December).

Army veteran and great grandfather Dennis Thirkill was greeted by friends and family at South Pembrokeshire Golf Club, Pembroke Dock, for a surprise This is your Life-style tribute.

Born in 1929, Dennis first went into uniform as a Wolf cub in December 1936.

He spent the early part of the war as an evacuee on a farm in the country and was called up for National Service in 1947.

While at RAF Hemswell, Lincolnshire, Dennis met his future wife and the love of his life, Margaret, at a monthly station dance.

As a reservist, Dennis was based with the 440 Royal Regiment of Artillery TAVR and later enlisted in the Army.

After demobbing at Manorbier in September 1974, he and Margaret settled in Pembroke and it was not long before Dennis was involved in running the local cadet unit.

An active member of the British Legion and Royal Artillery Association, he has continued with the Scouts, and done good work for the Red Cross and the Cancer Concern charity, which supported Dennis and his wife who died in 2008.

“He knows a lot of people and people are very fond of him,” said Dennis’ daughter Cally Asparassa.

His son, Stephen Thirkill added: “He’s a fiercelessly independent man with a massive heart. He would do anything for anyone.”

Representing the Royal Artillery Recruiting Troop and the Royal Artillery Motorcycle Display Team of the 1960s – of which Dennis was a founding member – Keith Church presented a £220 cheque to organiser Peter Kraus of the Over the Rainbow Dream Come True charity.

“It’s the biggest shock I have had for a long, long time,” said Dennis.

“It’s so nice to see people who I have known for a long, long time. The charity work I do has always been a part of my life - I just do things because I think they need doing.

“It has been an honour to be honoured – I never expected it.”