ROTARY Club stalwart Frank Smith has received glowing tributes after receiving the organisation’s highest honour for the fourth time.

Frank, 85, from Wincham, is a member of Northwich Rotary Club, and has been in Rotary for 42 years.

He has served as president in three clubs, and was seconded from Northwich Rotary Club to establish its daughter club Northwich Vale Royal Rotary.

Frank, a member of Wincham Parish Council, received the Paul Harris Fellowship in 1988, 1996 and 2002, and has received the honour for the fourth time in the form of a Double Sapphire Fellowship.

The award was presented by Northwich Rotary Club president John Walton on behalf of District 1050.

Paul Harris formed a club with three fellow businessmen in 1905, and named it Rotary because members met in rotation at their businesses.

The Paul Harris Fellowship was established in 1957 in his honour in recognition of a person’s contribution.

“Rotary is based on ‘service above self’, and Frank has clearly lived by this,” said Mr Walton.

“The members of the Rotary Club of Northwich were delighted to have had the opportunity to make the presentation to Frank.”

Frank said: “I was delighted and amazed to receive the double sapphire award because at my age I don’t do as many things as I used to, but apparently they must think I still do a bit.”

“I attend as many meetings as I can, and will carry on until they carry me out!

“The thing I’ve enjoyed most is getting involved with the public, and have worked with young people all my life.”

Mr Walton added: “Frank’s interest in Rotary started as a lad, when he used to watch the ‘gentlemen’ leave their businesses and head to lunch and the Rotary meeting.

“He has always been interested and supportive of others, especially young people.”

Frank’s background and recognised skill in catering led him to travel across the UK as a judge for the Institute of Hotel and Catering.

As part of a Sheffield University national project about people who grew up between the wars Frank recorded this period of his life, which is called A Boy in Northwich.

“He also entered and judged at numerous shows in Southport, Birmingham and other cities, winning prizes, usually best in show for his baked goods and his beloved orchids,” said Mr Walton.

“The ladies loved him even when he took the prizes they coveted.

“It is impossible to go out with Frank anywhere without being stopped with a smile and a hello from a lady. They always have a tale to tell of his kindness and support.”

The latest award was requested by the District Governor to recognise Frank’s contribution to Rotary at local and district level in relation to his work with the Rotary Young Chef competition.

Frank has been a member of Sparkbrook, Northwich and Northwich Vale Royal Rotary Clubs, and returned to the Northwich club 10 years ago after setting up the town’s daughter club, becoming president in 2006/7.