Soldier 'incredibly proud' for getting freedom of town

A soldier responsible for overseeing the Trooping of the Colour, royal funerals and the coronation of King Charles III has been awarded the freedom of the borough of Telford.

Telford and Wrekin Council said Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew 'Vern' Stokes was singled out for his "distinguished service to the nation" and also the "pride he brings to our community".

He was born in Madeley, went to school in Wellington, joined the army aged 16, and now lives in Coalbrookdale.

GSM Stokes said he was "immensely proud" of his home town and "deeply honoured" to receive the award.

He served on operational tours around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now based at the Horse Guards in London.

He was involved in arranging the funerals of both The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II and later the coronation of King Charles.

GSM Stokes has previously been awarded Meritorious Service Medal, the Royal Victorian Order and the OBE for his work.

He also won a BAFTA for his role in organising the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire.

Speaking about his home, he said: "I am incredibly proud of my roots here. This area and its people have always meant a great deal to me and have shaped who I am."

He added: "The area has a spiritual heartbeat, and every time I see The Wrekin it gives me butterflies and has done for 40 years."

Telford and Wrekin Council leader Lee Carter said GSM Stokes embodied the "best of values that we hold as a community".

Councillor Andrew Eade said he "marvelled at the co-ordination of the British Army which does it better than anyone else".

At the same meeting councillors also unanimously approved a Special Recognition Award for Mark Pemberton, Chair of Trustees of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

He was honoured for his role in overseeing the transfer of the museums to the National Trust last year.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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