Helmdon-born Mr. Leslie Watson will receive his M.B.E. on Wednesday - 13 months after he was named in the Birthday Honours List.

The delay in receiving the award was caused because Mr. Watson has been in Gambia, working in the Colonial Service.

Leslie Watson in Gambia

Now of 15, Kingsway, Kingsthorpe, Mr. Watson (56) has retired after spending 18 years in Gambia. Formerly a Brackley builder, he was made an M.B.E. for his service as works manager of the public works department in Gambia.

Mr. Watson was educated at Helmdon School and then at Magdalene College School, Brackley. He later joined his father's building firm of Mark Watson and Sons.

When in Gambia Mr Watson supervised two royal visits and directed the building of a bridge, nicknamed in Gambia "Watson Bridge".

The Mercury and Herald or News chronicle - circa 1960