A popular face in the region’s sporting community has been rewarded by Her Majesty in the New Year’s Honours list.
Fred Wooding, 81, of Carlisle Road, Queens Park, Bedford, will receive an MBE for his services to athletics in the county.
Mr Wooding, who was the founder of Bedford Sports Council and served in the Royal Navy, has been involved in the sport for more than 50 years.
He was previously president of the South of England Athletic Association where he served for 25 years and in 2009 he was rewarded for his services by Bedford Borough Council which gave him a lifetime achievement award.
The grandfather, who retired a number of years ago, said: “My family and I are over the moon with this honour. I have found it so hard to keep it to myself.
“I was nominated by a friend from my days back in the navy. I checked how many people received such honours for services to athletics and my understanding was that there were two and there were around 20 for pig-keeping, so it’s a rare honour.
“It’s satisfying doing something you love for so long and for free and being rewarded.”
