The Loddon Valley and Hook and Odiham Lions Clubs recently held a joint celebration to commemorate their 38th and 48th Charter Anniversaries and honour long-serving members.

Held at the Wellington Arms Hotel in Stratfield Turgis, the event was attended by guests of honour, Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr David Leeks and his wife, mayoress Amanda Leeks, along with various representatives from Lions Clubs and District 105 South Central Acting District Governor, Lion Sandra Manktelow.

Lion Manktelow awarded eight Lions with service chevrons representing a collective 195 years of service.

From the Loddon Valley Lions Club, Lions Ian Hellem, Iain Aldridge, Bob Prevost, and Eddie McGrath were honoured.

READ MORE: Megan Birch is first Basingstoke Chess Club female champion

While from the Hook and Odiham Lions Club, Lions Bryan Hailstone, Graham Botwright, Terry Cheesman and Kevin Oliver received the recognition.

Notably, Lions Graham Botwright and Terry Cheesman were further recognised with the distinguished Melvin Jones Fellowship award.

The award acknowledges dedication to humanitarian service and was established by Lions Clubs International Foundation in 1973 in honour of its founder.

During the celebration, Cllr Leeks and Lion Manktelow respectively received cheques of £1,000 and £250 from Loddon Valley Lions Club and the Hook and Odiham Lions Club for their chosen charities.