TWO Monmouth neighbours have served royalty and civic leaders for a total of 77 years.

But, more importantly to mace bearers John Blake and Graham Powell, they have served their town, which is now honouring their long service.

Mr Blake, of Hendre Close, worked for Monmouth borough council's maintenance department in 1966 when the town's two mace bearers both retired.

The posts were advertised but only one application was received, so desperate civic leaders went to the council offices in search of a second mace bearer for a function that afternoon.

"They said whoever the uniform fitted would do the job," said Mr Blake, who agreed to carry out the duties as a one-off.

"It was a little bit nerve-racking because nobody told me exactly how I was meant to perform and what my role was, but I got through it picked it up as I went along. It was fun."

In fact, Mr Blake, who is single, was such a success he was recruited to the role permanently and, when the other mace bearer left, Mr Blake asked his friend Graham Powell to fill the void.

They went on to meet royalty including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Dukes of Beaufort and Gloucester and Prince Edward.

Mr Blake, a semi-retired scrap metal merchant, said one of his favourites was Princess Margaret because she was very nice and down to earth behind closed doors.

Mr Powell, also of Hendre Close, has clocked up 37 years of service and juggled the role with his job as a lorry driver.

He said: "It's been great meeting people and I'm overjoyed with the award."

Mayor Sue Chivers said: "John and Graham have done an absolutely wonderful job."

Mr Blake is believed to be the longest-serving mace bearer in Britain. They will receive their awards at a ceremony in April.