IT was a golden moment for Eddie Chadwick when friends gathered to pay tribute to his 50 years continuous service as a Rotarian.

Mr Chadwick was the guest-of-honour at a surprise gathering organised by the Rotary Club of Bury to mark his dedicated service to the movement.

Around 65 colleagues and friends attended the function at Walshaw Sports Club.

Mr Chadwick, who is in his 80s, was originally proposed by his then boss and founder club president H. Moscrop Robinson.

In 1964/65, Mr Chadwick served as president, the youngest ever in the club to hold the position. He later went on to occupy the office of secretary.

At the club charter in 1987 he, together with fellow member Mr Harry Driver, received a Paul Harris Fellowship, an honour well deserved.

Mr Chadwick, who lives in Limefield, has been a staunch member of the Rotary's community service committee and was instrumental in the club fitting smoke alarms in the homes of many elderly people in the area. He actually donated the devices.

Colleagues describe him as "one of life's true gentlemen, a family man, a caring, kind and generous man".

A keen sportsman, he has been a lifelong supporter of Bury FC, is a keen angler and a former JP. He and wife Barbara are regular worshippers at Bury Parish Church.