A music enthusiast from Hythe has been honoured by The Queen with a British Empire Medals (BEM).

Professor Berkeley Hill was chosen for his outstanding and dedicated community work and public service.

He was recognised along with five others from Kent; Sandra Booer from Wilmington, Wendy Daws from Rochester, Anne Forbes from Ashford, Alison Reynolds from Faversham and John Thompson from Dover.

The six were named in The Queen's New Year Honours list after the medal was re-introduced in the Diamond Jubilee year.

Professor Berkeley Hill has been the director of music and organist for the successful choir of St Leonard’s Church in Hythe for over 43 years and he has directed the Folkestone Choral Society for four decades.

He was commended for being an inspirational leader, and that his confidence and enthusiasm encourages those who sing or play for him to reach their full potential.

The Lord-Lieutenant, Viscount De L’Isle MBE, held an Investiture at Penshurst Place on Tuesday (April 10) to present the six medallists with their award, following the official announcement in January.

In presenting the medals on behalf of The Queen, the Lord-Lieutenant congratulated the recipients for their dedicated work on behalf of others.