MORE than four decades of involvement in charitable work received official recognition yesterday (Thursday) when Quantock Hills-based John White was awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours list.

Mr White, a retired magistrate on the Taunton and West Somerset bench, has lived in Over Stowey for the past five years and Broomfield for the previous 30 years.

And despite running the family business of men's clothing company Frederick Theak - started by his grandfather - the 73-year-old has also helped to raise thousands of pounds for good causes and given his time tirelessly to many organisations over the past 45 years.

Most recently, he headed up the New Build Appeal, which raised £2 million to upgrade facilities at St Margaret's Somerset Hospice in Taunton.

He also served as a governor at Richard Huish College in Taunton for 20 years, taking on the role of chairman and presiding over the appointment of a new principal while helping to raise the foundations for its success.

Mr White was a JP for 24 years, serving most notably on the youth panel.

He helped raise £130,000 for restoration work at St Mary's Church, Broomfield, and was also heavily involved in the St John Ambulance charity.

Married with three daughters and five grandchildren, Mr White described the unexpected honour as "a bolt out of the blue" and a total surprise to him and his family.

"I was astonished, very honoured and, if I'm honest, slightly embarrassed," he told the Free Press yesterday.

"You don't get involved in things because you expect any acclaim - the satisfaction of volunteering is enough.

"But I am delighted and my family is obviously very proud."