Spalding dad of three presented with British Empire Medal
A tireless champion of good causes and charities received the British Empire Medal on Friday.
Mark Le Sage was celebrating his 53rd birthday as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire William Webb presented the medal and certificate.
Mark said: "It's a very humbling experience, I have to say. I was very proud and a little bit embarrassed.
"There was such a lovely speech by Anthony Grunwell - it's difficult sometimes listening to people talking about you in that way."
Family and friends were among the gathering at the Spalding Club, including his last teacher at the Spalding Parish School, Joyce Holmes, and his first teacher at Gleed Boys' School, Elaine Gray.
Long-time family friend Bill Parker sprang an extra surprise, presenting Mark with a gold watch.
The former prison officer was awarded the BEM in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours to recognise his work in helping prisoners escape from a life of crime.
He has a list of occasions when he can wear the medal - and also discovered it entitles him to marry at St Paul's Cathedral.
His many good works include setting up a Men and Violence programme, which led to him being given the Butler Award in 2000, the top honour in the prison, probation and youth justice services.
Now a registered nurse, Mark also set up a clothing project for babies and young children, and - after developing a type of skin cancer - a health campaign with a family doctor urging men to "Get it Seen, Get it Sorted".
He has three children, two grandchildren and two more grandchildren are on the way.