A GLITTERING ceremony at the National Liberal Club in Whitehall welcomed Roll of Honour winners from all over London on Thursday last week.

The Harrow Times, in conjunction with LBC radio, has spent the past six months collecting nominations for dozens of people across our borough who have provided extraordinary services for others.

But after hours of debate and consideration, Jim Lawrence emerged as our winner.

Jim, 72, of Kingfisher Close, Harrow Weald has been collecting for the annual Poppy Appeal for 36 years and also helps out the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association.

Jim, who has devoted his life to the services, said he was 'delighted' to receive the honour.

"It was a really good ceremony," he said. "And, obviously, it's nice to be recognised for the work you put in. But, it's not really for me, it's for all the people who do their bit."

Jim is a familiar sight to shoppers at Tesco in Harrow and was outside St George's Shopping Centre on Saturday last week in full Santa outfit collecting for St Luke's Hospice.

Explaining how he got started helping charities, he said: "I lost my father to injuries he received in the first War and my brother-in-law just before his 21st birthday."

Now the father of one son and two grandchildren is looking forward to taking his VIP place on the New Year's Day parade through London.

He said: "I'll be going with my wife Lilian. I'm looking forward to what should be a really good day out."