On 27 June, Charge d'Affaires Hans H. Blomeyer-Bartenstein presented the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to the engineer and businessman Francis David Stephens at the German Embassy in London.

The Order recognises Mr Stephens' extraordinary contributions to the promotion of German-British relations and, in particular, the successful partnership between the cities of Bristol and Hanover, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.

In presenting the Order, Mr Blomeyer-Bartenstein said: "For decades you have rendered outstanding service to German-British relations and the image of Germany in and around Bristol, and this is a proper occasion to thank you most warmly for all you have done - and are still doing!"

David Stephens has been active on the Bristol Hanover Council since 1970. In his role as secretary of the Bristol Anglo-German Society he has, together with the society's executive committee, tirelessly promoted the image of Germany in the UK for over 20 years. Without his tremendous energy and enthusiasm, the Society could never have been so successful.

Mr Stephens is also a trustee of the Bristol Scheme, which provides financial support to young British people who went to spend a gap year living and working in Germany, Mr Stephens has helped numerous young people to get to know Germany.

For further information, please contact the German Embassy Press Department: mail@german-embassy.org.uk

Courtesy of German Embassy UK