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Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge has been presented with his Order of the British Empire medal by The Princess Royal.

Cllr Etheridge was awarded the gong in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for services to local government.

The independent member collected his medal on Tuesday September 25 at a Windsor Castle ceremony.

Community council colleague and Blackwood deputy mayor George Etheridge changed his name from Edwards last year in honour of Kevin.

Cllr George Etheridge said: “Kevin’s lifelong role in public service is an example of what our local and national politicians should strive to be.

“Kevin’s work with the bowel cancer charity show his commitment to helping others, even when he himself is in need.”

Cllr Kevin Etheridge was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019 and last year said his prognosis was terminal. Since 2019 he has been recognised by Bowel Cancer UK for his campaigning work to raise awareness of the disease.

In 2021 he was named a community champion of the year by the Local Government Information Unit.

Speaking of his OBE, when it was announced earlier this year, he described being “overwhelmed” by the Royal accolade and said: “This is an award for the people I have represented and helped out. I won’t let it change me and will continue to help local people with local issues.”