FORMER honorary secretary of the Romsey and District Buildings Preservation Trust for more than 40 years, Dr Frank Akerman has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to conservation in the historic market town.

Dr Akerman was the honorary secretary of the Trust from its inception in 1975, before he stepped down from the role last year.

Speaking of his award, he said: “I regard this award as an acknowledgement for the work of all the trustees of this charity who have formed a close-knit group for many years, and have been responsible for successfully restoring some 40 difficult and often threatened older properties in Romsey and the surrounding area.”

The Trust both protects and preserves the historical and architectural heritage of buildings within Romsey and southern Test Valley. The most recent restoration was of the former newsagents shop at 5 Latimer Street, pictured.

Along with the trustees, the charity formed together with the Genesis Partnership and borrowed funds from the Architectural Heritage Fund in order to carry out the restoration and refurbishment to what is now, F.W Kersey & Son.

The protection of the buildings comes from lobbying or direct involvement, and supports individuals or groups with similar aims, as well as working with regional and national bodies both nationally and in Test Valley. The organisation is also responsible for overseeing the Romsey Signal Box, which has been restored and maintained by enthusiasts and is also open to visitors.