A FORMER ice-cream man from Galashiels has scooped a prestigious British Empire Medal at a special ceremony in the Borders.

Adam Kelly, along with Jane Bannerman from Hawick were presented with their medals by the Lord Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KBE, Richard Scott on Wednesday, April 12.

The 95-year-old was recognised for his services to business and the community in Galashiels. after selling ice-cream from his van to generations of people in the town during a career spanning 52 years.

Mr Kelly was recognised by the Ice-Cream Alliance as the oldest in his trade in the UK until he retired in August last year.

Adam served in World War II, and took part in the D-Day landings in Normandy in 1944.

The Normandy Veterans Association member would later receive a diploma from the French Embassy for his services to the country during the war.

After the war, he returned to his previous job delivering milk for a creamery and began evening shifts driving the ice-cream van of army friend and café owner Tony Macari in 1964. He started his own business two years later which he continued until 2016.

Jane Bannerman from Hawick was also recognised for her 40 years of services to community healthcare.

The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KBE, Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, said: "On this, my first occasion for the presentation of the British Empire Medals in my role as Lord-Lieutenant, I am absolutely delighted to be doing so to two such worthy recipients.

"Mr Kelly has an inspirational life story with a work ethic and dedication to serving his local community that has earned him the admiration and affection of everyone who knows him.

"He has been known to say that it is the smiles of children and families when they hear his van coming that makes it all worthwhile, but just one of the reasons he is receiving this medal is because he is the one who has brought those smiles to the faces of his loyal customers, young and old, who appreciate his unique contribution to their lives.

"It's a tremendous privilege to have been able to present a medal to both Jane and Adam, each one given in acknowledgement and recognition of the tremendous contribution they have each made to their local communities over so many years, and I congratulate them both."