Westminster Salute to Canford Heath Hero

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

John Friberg receiving his award at the MP Heroes Tea Party

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole recently nominated John Friberg, from Canford Heath, for a Heroes Award in respect of his voluntary work in her constituency. John and his wife Peggy travelled up to the House of Commons on Tuesday 24th June 2008, to collect the award at an MP Heroes Tea Party Event.

Annette was very proud when John was singled out for the special award, given to just one of the volunteers nominated by MP's this year. John's scouting began in 1939 and he was given the National Service Award for scouting services during the war years. Since then he has undertaken many extremely worthy roles, including working with disabled scouts with special needs, and fundraising with the 'Zippers' (a group of people who have all had major heart surgery - the name comes from the long scar on their chest) who have raised in excess of £100,000, the 'St Francis Drake Fellowship', the Swanage Railway, the Bovington Tank Museum and the Air Ambulance. John was a member of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary from 1959-1972 where he rose to the rank of sergeant and was awarded a Long Service Medal.

Despite having major heart surgery a number of years ago, John is a highly active Poole resident and currently Assistant Scout Leader with a local group. He also serves on the Poole Scout Executive Committee and the County Executive and has been given a 40 years service medal, the Medal of Merit and the Silver Acorn.

Annette Brooke MP said:

"John is almost a born volunteer - he started at a young age as a cub and now just continues to help where help is needed. He has made an amazing difference to so many people's lives."