LES Richardson's MBE medal is set to take pride of place at the Evening Press's offices in Walmgate.

The family of the veteran newspaper seller, whose funeral took place earlier this week, have presented the gong to editor Liz Page.

It will be held in safe storage until it can go on display for a period in a secure area in our reception area.

Les's niece Dorothy Varley said Les, who sold the Evening Press at a pitch in St Helen's Square for almost 70 years, had always been very proud of the MBE, which was presented to him at Buckingham Palace in 1999.

"He was always really chuffed about getting it," she said. "He was over the moon."

Mrs Page thanked the family for loaning the medal to the paper. "Many readers who remember Les and his inimitable cry of 'Press!' will enjoy seeing the medal when they pop into the office on other business."

Updated: 11:03 Thursday, March 06, 2003