TWO members of a Forest voluntary group have together given more than 80 years of service to the local community.

John Williams and John Charles, who are members of the Severn Dean Lions Club, have chalked up 81 years of service.

The organisation was formed in 1917 and exists to promote service in communities.

Mr Williams joined the neighbouring Lions Club of the Forest of Dean in 1973 and transferred to Severn Dean in 1999.

During his 45 years of service he has organised street collections, has ridden the Lions’ Christmas sleigh as Father Christmas and raised money at events such as fêtes.

He has been a long-serving member of the welfare committee that supports local individuals facing financial hardship and he has been a core member of the team that organises the annual fireworks display and bonfire at Speech House.

As club president, he officially opened Mallards Pike, along with Viscount Bledisloe, in 1982.

The same year, Mr Charles became a Lion in Hertfordshire and has served in the Forest since 1991.

He was district governor for the Lions in 2002 and during his term of office, he attended an international convention in the Japanese city of Osaka.

He has also served as the United Nations and international relations officer for the UK which led to him being presented with the International Lions’ President’s Leadership Award.

Mr Williams said: “Being part of the Lions is very rewarding as we work for the community and there is a very enjoyable social side.”

Severn Dean Lions’ president, Anny Reid, added: “The community of the Forest of Dean is extremely fortunate to have two individuals who have given such dedicated service to the benefit of others.

Severn Dean Lions meet at The Club in Newnham on the first Monday of each month.