A TIRELESS volunteer who has helped to raise nearly £50,000 for a servicemen's charity has been honoured for his dedication.

Roy King, who organised the collections throughout the area for The Not Forgotten Association, has stepped down from the role.

But his years of service and loyalty were marked with a special gathering of his band of collectors, and a visit from the charity's chief executive, Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh.

The surprise occasion was held at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel, and Mr King, 79, said he was taken aback but 'pleased to see everyone'.

The charity provides entertainment and recreation for the serving wounded, injured or sick and for ex-servicemen and women with disabilities.

Last year, Mr King and his fellow volunteers, who are all ex-servicemen, were one of the charity's top individual fundraisers with £8,383.

Collections at garden centres and other venues, along with an annual fundraiser in The Arcade in Bournemouth during the Air Festival all help contribute to their annual total.

"I first got involved with the charity when I attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace as a member of the charity", Mr King said.

"The man who was running things then told me he was packing it in and I took it from there.

"It has been an absolute privilege and I will miss it.

"But I will still be involved, just not organising the events.

"I am looking forward to seeing the air festival this year as well.

"I knew something was happening today but this is a complete surprise. I am touched everyone has got together."

Chief executive of the charity, Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh, said: "We have a motto, From Comradeship to Challenge. Today in Christchurch is a prime example of friends coming together in comradeship.

"In order to fund our activities we rely heavily on our volunteer collectors and Roy King is a classic example of how this community has served this unique charity.

"I am confident that the excellent work he has put in will be continued by his grand band of helpers who attended the presentation today."

Mr King organised the collections between 2006 and 2015.

The charity was founded by American singer Marta Cunningham, who a year after the Armistice, set-up a group to entertain wounded and ex-servicemen.

Officially formed on August 12, 1920, the Association was formed for the 'comfort, cheer and entertainment' of wounded ex-service officers and men still in hospital.