A MEMBER of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) has won an award for his efforts to help former sailors with problems.

Charles Cannings, 72, of Crossfield Road, Princes Risborough, won Shipmate of the Year at the area AGM from the RNA on March 3.

Mr Cannings said: "It was awarded to me through my welfare work. I got called out and presented with it and it was quite a big shock."

Mr Cannings, who has been married for 46 years to Mollie, first joined the Risborough branch of the naval association in 1971.

He said: "I spent four years in the navy after the war. I heard of the group from the milkman who was a member. There used to be an Old Salts club before the branch was formed."

Mr Cannings' work helps former members of the navy with any welfare problems.

He said: "Each branch has a welfare officer. If they can't find an answer to a problem, they will ring me and I'll try and put them right.

"There might be a member with financial problems or not claiming the right benefits so it's up to me to help them."

Mr Cannings, who has four grown-up children and five grandchildren, is also a welfare adviser for the Royal British Legion, in Bell Street, Princes Risborough, but he received the Shipmate of the Year award for his navy work.

The Shipmate of the Year has been going for 16 years and covers 39 branches in the region.