The Mayor of Oldham has been recognised by a veterans group for his dedication and commitment to local veterans and the armed forces community.
On Sunday (October 20), the Royton Military Veterans Group presented Councillor Zahid Chauhan OBE with an appreciation award to recognise his work supporting those who have previously served and continue to serve in the armed forces.
As Mayor, Cllr Chauhan regularly supports veterans across the borough at many events, functions and causes including Armed Forces Week, the Poppy Appeal and Oldham’s upcoming Remembrance Services which take place in November.
The Mayor has also hosted functions in the Mayor’s Parlour as part of his efforts to recognise those who have served their country.
This includes when he welcomed World War II veteran Margaret Taylor for her 100th birthday in August last year, as well as recently hosting the Chelsea Pensioners.
In his previous role as Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Chauhan also supported veterans in gaining access to enhanced health checks which look to detect and address mental health issues and cardio-vascular issues.
Speaking after the presentation, Cllr Chauhan OBE said: "I've been recognised many times in my life, but this is without doubt the best recognition I've ever received, so thank you to members of the Royton Military Veterans Group for this.
"I've always felt the need to give something back to our veterans and to those serving in our armed forces because everything I have in my life is thanks to them.
"They are the people who have fought and continue to fight for the freedom and values of this country and we owe them an incredible amount for the scarifies they make in keeping us, and people around the world, safe.
"Without them, who is to know what kind of world we could be living in today. That's why as Mayor I continue to ensure they receive our upmost respect and I always will continue to fight their corner because they are so important to our borough and our communities.
"I am honoured to receive this honour, but it is our veterans and those still serving who deserve our recognition even more.”
The Royton Military Veterans Group allows veterans from all three branches of the military, regular and reserves, to get together, socialise and talk about their past experiences with like-minded people.
Mike Bowskill, founder of the Royton Military Veterans Group, said of the Mayor: "It's fantastic to have his backing."
The 60-year-old, who served 13 years in the King's Regiment as a Lance Corporal back in 1980, added: "To have his support is immense, so we just wanted to give him this little token of our appreciation to say thank you for the time he gives us."
Royton Military Veteran Group member Cllr Dave Arnott, who served as a soldier in Northern Ireland and the Gulf War, added: "Over the Mayor's tenure, he's always been extremely supportive of our armed forces and veteran community and he's always made himself available to us when we've asked, so we really appreciate it.
"We're heading towards the most significant time of year for the veterans' community, which is obviously Remembrance, so this was the perfect time for him to come along, meet the group and give him this small token of thanks, as it really means a lot."
The Royton Military Veterans Group, which formed less than a year ago, meets on the third Sunday of each month at the Rumours Bar in Royton Precinct.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here