A High Wycombe man has been named in the King’s birthday honours list for his services to the military community.

Sergeant Ken Ivory, 55, began volunteering with the SSAFA (Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association in 1990 as a civilian in his first job after leaving school in Bicester.

He would then join the Royal Air Force five years later in 1995.

By 2002, Ken was branch treasurer looking after eight divisions of SSAFA’s Greater London Northwest area and he has remained in this post for the past 33 years.

On his introduction to the charity – the UK’s oldest tri-service support organisation – Ken says: “I was asked by my manager if I was able to help the local SSAFA with the role of their divisional treasurer.

“I knew nothing about what SSAFA did, but I was keen to assist the branch in any way I could.

“I’ve always enjoyed my role within SSAFA and been proud to continue it even when I have deployed with the RAF and am honoured – and surprised – to receive recognition for my voluntary service with SSAFA.”

Without his skill and dedication, the charity would not have been able to so efficiently and effectively assist the 60,000 people who use its services each year.

SSAFA relies on its network of volunteers and staff around the UK and oversees.