A BURY man who has devoted more than half a century to the town's Rotary Club has achieved a unique honour.

Mr Jack Farraday OBE, who is aged 91, has been presented with a landmark Rotary Foundation award.

He is already a holder of the organisation's coveted Paul Harris Fellowship and a Paul Harris bar in tribute to his long, loyal and dedicated service to the movement.

Now, he has received a second bar which Bury Rotary Club officials believe is unique.

Mr Farraday has been a mainstay of the club for more than 50 years and is a former president, district 105 governor and an avid supporter of Rotary's Vocational Service.

His latest award was presented by Bury Rotary Club president John Watson and past president Harry Driver.

Mr Driver explained: "Rotary Foundation was established in 1917 as an endowment 'to do good in the world'.

"Rotary's Paul Harris Fellowship programme was established in 1957 to express the Foundation's appreciation for substantial contributions to local, national and international affairs led by a Rotarian or non-Rotarian.

"The club involved contributes 1,000 US dollars and the individual concerned receives a Paul Harris Fellowship."

Rotary Foundation has made considerable contributions to the control and then eradication of polio as well as being heavily involved in issues such as health, hunger and humanity.

Last August, Mr Farraday completed 50 years of continuous service with the Rotary Club of Bury. He received citations from Rotary International and his local organisation.

Mr Driver added: "The latest presentation was to mark his 50 years service and his recent commitment to a district 1280 vocational service project: 'a question of ethics'.

"Twenty-five-years ago, Mr Farraday led a committee on an identical project and he was anxious to be involved in a comparable project during the current Rotary year."

He is now unable to attend regular club meetings, although he still maintains concern and interest in the Rotary movement.

After receiving the second Paul Harris Fellowship bar, Mr Farraday said he was "deeply moved" by the fact his fellow members had made the donation to Rotary Foundation on his behalf.

And he was also very appreciative of being awarded yet another bar to add to his treasured possessions.

Officers of Bury Rotary believe is it is unique for someone to receive two bars to add to their Fellowship.