DOUGLAS Evans, who has retired from the Craven Arms Men's Chorus, missed only two rehearsals and three concerts in 42 years.

Such outstanding service is what might be expected from a man who, in 1944, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

A battlefield citation in the London Gazette in March, 1945, described his heroic deeds in the village of Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium, in September, 1944.

In fact it was a visit to the Belgian village two years ago that accounted for one of his very rare absences from a concert.

Mr Evans, who lives with his wife Ruth in Church Stretton, says there is nothing wrong with his voice; it is just that his legs have become quite painful if he stands for long periods.

Only 85 DCMs were ever awarded in Britain, and very few in the rest of the world.

Mr Evans received his from King George VI at Buckingham Palace.

Mr Evans, a postman for 25 years, is a member of the Royal British Legion, and spends a lot of time in his beautiful garden.