Cheers to 'a national treasure'

ALAN ‘Howling Laud’ Hope said it was “absolutely amazing” to be honoured with the unveiling of a pair of photo montages that will adorn his local pub’s walls.

- 

The Prince Arthur, in Fleet, was packed on Monday night last week as people gathered to see the local legend saluted by JD Wetherspoon. The Fleet resident and leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party became the first recipient of the pub chain's National Treasure award, on his 83rd birthday.

More than 200 people gathered at 7.30pm to hear a speech by event organiser Derrill Carr, who then introduced Mr Hope as everybody sang Happy Birthday. Mr Hope then said a few words and finished with a rendition of I did it My Way.

The two montage panels were unveiled to applause, prompting gasps and noticeable surprise at both the size (6ft by 3ft) and quality of the 10 images that had been produced.