Keith, a champion of south Essex, is honoured for his CPRE work

One of CPRE Essex’s most faithful servants has been rewarded for his efforts with a Length of Service Award and volunteer medal.
Keith Francis, from Orsett, who at a mere 86 years old is still fighting for his beloved south Essex, received his award and medal from Tricia Moxey, CPRE Essex vice-chairman.
It won’t come as a surprise to learn that both had been in London for a meeting with Highways England on the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.
The scheme has been one of Keith’s primary concerns in recent years, while he has also helped monitor development of the London Gateway port at Tilbury and campaigned to save Orsett Hospital from closure.
Keith has been involved with CPRE Essex for some 20 years and been a trustee for “about half that time”.
Tricia said: “There can be few more deserving recipients of these accolades. Keith has been an example to us all of how campaigners can help change things for the better, no matter how difficult the odds might initially appear.
“His energy and enthusiasm are boundless and I am proud to know him – CPRE Essex would be a very much poorer organisation without Keith Francis. I only wish we had more like him.”