A 99-year-old man has been recognised for his lifelong service to preserving the historic architecture of Chester.

Grosvenor Manor resident Cyril Morris has been commended by the Lord Mayor of Chester, Sherin Akhtar, alongside representatives from the The Bluecoat Charity.

Born within Chester's city walls in 1927, Morris studied architecture and town planning before joining the Cheshire County Architect's Department in 1949, shortly after the end of World War II.

In the years following the war, many historic towns across the UK were in poor condition. Numerous buildings of architectural importance had been damaged or destroyed during bombing raids - including those affected by the The Blitz.

Cyril played a leading role in Chester's post-war recovery, helping oversee the clean-up and contributing to an innovative conservation programme designed to restore and preserve the city's distinctive architectural character.

Since retiring, he has donated several of his earliest architectural drawings - many produced by hand - to the Bluecoat Charity.

The works are now displayed in the charity's offices on Upper Northgate Street.

Reflecting on his life's work, Morris said: "Conservation is not about living in the past. It is the creation of an environment within which our architectural heritage can survive for future generations."

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As a gesture of appreciation, the Lord Mayor and Bluecoat representatives presented Morris with a pencil sketch of the historic Bluecoat building. The drawing now sits proudly alongside other mementoes in his bedroom at Grosvenor Manor.

Cllr Akhtar added: "It is thanks to the tireless work of Cyril in protecting and preserving Chester's heritage that we have an architecturally significant city we can be proud of - one that attracts visitors from around the world.

"On behalf of the city and everyone at Bluecoat, I'm delighted to make this presentation today. Thank you, Cyril."

Anne Hughes, home manager at Grosvenor Manor, added: "Cyril is truly passionate about architecture and preservation and has dedicated much of his life to ensuring the very best of Chester is protected and celebrated.

"We are delighted to celebrate him with this special presentation today."