Hereford Lions Club has recognised Wally Bowles’ forty years playing Santa when the club brings Father Christmas to the city. Lions president, Sian Bayliss presented the 93 year old retired teacher with a framed certificate praising his support for the club and it’s annual special treat for the children.

Wally, born in Glasgow joined the RAF as an apprentice when he left school at 15, served as a gunner on bombers in the second world war. Back in civilian life, he worked in the building trade before training to be a teacher and arriving in Hereford to join the staff at Haywood School, now known as Hereford Academy. He lives in Credenhill.