Villagers in Menheniot were surprised and delighted to share in a celebratory drink with retired milkman Mr David Clue, who received the MBE in the New Year's Honours List - the first of the new century.

Born and bred in the parish, 63 year old David received the award for 'services to the community of Menheniot' although the 200 plus people who attended the afternoon get together in the village hall were not aware of the honour until then.

They thought they were simply wishing him well in his retirement after 32 years as their local milkman, but they were soon toasting the double celebration.

Friend of 30 years, Mr Ray Gill, described David as the "parish watchman". He said he was not just a milkman. He was protector, carer and social worker to many, gave sound advice, was a trusted confidante, and collected pensions, delivered newspapers, and fetched medical prescriptions from Liskeard. He said many lives had been touched by David, who with his wife Gwen in support, spent many evenings and his half days off visiting parishioners in hospital and those who had gone into care homes.

Mr Gill said David, always an early riser, would transport people into Liskeard to catch early trains, not expecting any remuneration nor asking for it. 'He is highly respected, always a gentleman, and of a cheerful and steadfast nature' he said. 'He has an affinity with everyone and gives of his time to all, freely and willingly'.

County Councillor Mr Bill Flookes also spoke in David's praise and of the pride of the village in his award.

As well as being the milkman David has also driven the local school bus to Liskeard for about 40 years, firstly for his brother Raymond when he operated Clue's Coaches and now for Mr Keith Ball of Plymouth. He says he has driven so many children he is now into the second generation, and he had his PSV licence long before his dairyman's licence.

He is also much involved in several facets of village life, being president and trustee of the Cricket Club, chairman and treasurer of the Jago Institute, and chairman of the trustees of the Poads Trust, which are homes for the elderly of the parish. Over the years he has also been an all round sportsman, having been county billiards champion, winner of the Liskeard and District Billiards League, in which he still plays, many times, a footballer for Liskeard, and a member of the Menheniot cricket team.

David, who with Gwen has two sons, Paul and Peter, says he was initially shocked when he first received the news of his honour in November, and then, as is the tradition, had to keep it a secret until it was officially announced. 'You expect it to happen to people in public life, so it is nice when an ordinary person like me is a recipient' he said.