"MR CATERHAM" Andy Parr has been appointed an MBE.
Mr Parr has been the powerhouse and inspiration behind countless town-wide initiatives.
His award in the Queen's Birthday Honours List is for "services to the community of Caterham".
You name a venture in the town and the chances are Mr Parr has had a hand in it.
Perhaps his crowning glory has been chairing the annual Caterham Festival, now in his sixth year.
The month-long extravaganza consists of 100-plus events, most of them free, and attracts tens of thousands of people to the town.
It's even won a national award for its massive effect in boosting community spirit.
Father-of-one Mr Parr, 58, of Manor Avenue, Caterham, said: "I'm really chuffed to bits at the news.
"But lots of other people do a lot of things in the town who are equally deserving. This is an award for the whole town really."
He added: "This is one of the best moments in my life.
"I imagine I'll be walking around with a broad grin for quite a while."
He said he received the Government letter breaking the good news, but had to keep quiet about it.
It was only when his wife Liz saw Cabinet Office written on the envelope and was inquisitive that he broke the news to her.
Among the extraordinary list of things Mr Parr has been involved in locally is the Scouting movement, for which he is a former district commissioner.
A former police officer, he has also been a key player with Caterham Carnival, the town's big fireworks night, regeneration plans for the town's much-loved Soper Hall, and the annual Christmas Day lunch for otherwise housebound residents.
Mr Parr also captains the Caterham Cowboys team which competes each year in the World Marbles Championship, in West Sussex.
Back in 2007, Mr Parr was presented with a Tandridge District Council Chairman's Award, similarly for his voluntary work on behalf of his local community.
News of his MBE was welcomed by John Orrick, the county councillor for Caterham Hill.
He said: "A gong is thoroughly deserved, although in Andy's case being made Lord Caterham would be more appropriate.
"He is a thoroughly nice man who has done so much for the community
"I'm delighted for him."
