A RETIRED solicitor from Accrington has been honoured after clocking up 60 years as a Rotarian.

James Nuttall, who worked as a solicitor at Howarth and Nuttall Solicitors, in Town Hall Street, joined Great Harwood and Rishton Rotary Club as a young man.

He served as president, secretary, and treasurer, before retiring to an honorary role last year.

The 88-year-old, of Sawley Drive, said: “I have always enjoyed being in the club, and I have enjoyed joining in the work the club has done.

“Over a number of years, we have tried to give pleasure to the people of Great Harwood and Rishton, and I think, in a great number of ways, we probably have.

“So, from that point of view, I’m very proud to have been a member.”

Mr Nuttall, who served in Holland and Germany during, and after, the Second World War with the Royal Engineers, said it ‘never occurred’ to him he would one day be honoured for 60 years when he joined the club in 1953.

He added: “I did not realise I would live to 88 to be honest.”

Secretary of Great Harwood and Rishton Rotary Club, Graham Charnley, said: “I’ve been involved with the club for 12 years. Jim has just celebrated his 60th year.

“We awarded him a certificate, and he received a letter from the president of Rotary Great Britain and Ireland.

“It’s pretty rare for someone to do 60 years. I have never known anyone who has done it.

“On a scale of one to 10, it’s 10 in terms of achievement.

“Unfortunately, he’s not an active member any more, but he was until last year.

“The guy is in his 80s, and there’s only so much you can do. He’s an honorary member of the club, and the only one.”