A civil servant from Thornton Heath was awarded the Imperial Service Medal at a special ceremony in Horse Guards last week.

Brian Cave, 63, received the award in recognition of a 35 year career as an administrative officer in the Civil Service.

He was presented with the award by Major General William Cubitt, CBE.

Mr Cave said: “My first job in 1974 was in the Lord Chamberlain’s Office. In those days we had no photocopiers or computers. I drafted letters, sending them to the typing pool with a red tag if it was urgent; yellow if it had to go out in five days and a green tag signified up to two weeks.

“In 1997 I was working at the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand. One very hot day the windows had been opened during a court case, somehow a small bird got through the wire mesh causing chaos and lots of laughter.

“I was volunteered to catch the little blighter and escort it off the premises. My finest hour, perhaps.”

Mr Cave added: “It’s a great honour to receive this award, a constant reminder of a very interesting varied and worthwhile career with lots of happy memories.”