By BRIAN TILLEY btilley@cngroup.co.uk

Last updated at 09:56, Friday, 05 February 2010

EX-RAILWAYMAN Philip Clark has been singled out for the most prestigious honour his home town can offer.

Community man: Philip Clark has been named an honorary steward and bailiff of Hexham.

For on Monday night, he became the latest person to be named an honorary steward and bailiff of Hexham.

He was presented with a framed certificate by town mayor Coun. Terry Robson in a ceremony at the Beaumont Hotel.

Mr Clark was recognised for his tireless work for the town, which included stints on both Tynedale Council and Hexham Town Council.

He and his late wife Kaye have the unique distinction of both being mayors of Hexham.

Other stewards and bailiffs were amongst the guests for the gathering, which had been postponed from January because of snowy weather.

Mr Clark retired three years ago, after a 34-year career working as a signalman on the Tyne Valley railway line.

He was a special constable for 23 years, reaching the equivalent rank to inspector, and was also a radio operator with the local civil defence force for four years, before it was disbanded.

Hackwood Park School was always close to his heart, and he served as a governor for 14 years, 10 of them as chairman.

He was also a member of the St Mary’s Parochial Church Council for 20 years, and became the first lay person to serve as its chairman.

A socialist all his life, Mr Clark followed his father on to Hexham and District Trades Council, and served as Hexham branch secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen for 24 years.

He is also a keen town twinner, and staunch defender of Hexham’s heritage.

First published at 09:40, Friday, 05 February 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk