Contrary to what some might believe, the River Thames is considered one of the cleanest rivers in the world despite 60 years ago being labelled as 'biologically dead'.

This turn-around can largely be put down to the efforts of a waterway and fishing-loving man from Gravesend.

Now 88, Reg Butcher has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his voluntary work in the Thames Fishery Research Experiment every year since he founded it in 1972.

Staged as an annual angling competition, the event is vital for organisations such as the Environment Agency and Port of London Authority to assess the condition of the wildlife of the river.

It is going into its 50th year with an average of 90 anglers looking to compete, and over the years there have been some interesting catches including seahorses, sand eels and salmon – fish that aren't commonly found in the Thames.

Reg's sister Ann Aldous-Dunn said: "Over the years, Reg has had a lot of volunteers and good people to help him out but he organised it every year and if it wasn't for his health he would be down there this year.

"It's so important to him. It's his life's work.

"I remember when he started, they used to say the river was so filthy you wouldn't want to fall in it but now it's meant to be one of the cleanest rivers in Europe."

Now 50 years on, he has been honoured for his efforts in helping to clean the river.

Reg said: "I just started doing it and asked local authorities what we could do to make it better.

"You just don't think what kind of impact you would be making when you start something like this."

Ann continued: "Reg is so humble and he never thought for one minute he would be nominated let alone be awarded a medal.

'It's so important to him. It's his life's work'

"Being so humble, he never told his family just how important a man he is."

Reg's BEM was announced in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June and he was recently presented with it at his home at Wombwell Nursing Care Home in Gravesend.

The presentation was made by her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, the Lady Colgrain, who also said a few words.

She said: "Reginald Butcher was a key figure in setting up the City of London Thames Fishery Research Experiment in 1972.

"He has continued to voluntarily organise this annual event which establishes the environmental condition of the River Thames.

"The results of the competition provide valuable information to organisations such as the Environment Agency and the Port of London Authority.

"Reginald's commitment and dedication to the conservation of the Thames has had a huge impact on the community and the protection of the River Thames."

But Reg's legacy will have to continue without him as health issues have forced him to sit this year on the sidelines, with friend Mick Sharp holding the reins of his behalf.

Reg said: "We all have to pass it on sometime.

"I'm nearly 90 now, and with my injuries I can't walk so I have had to pass on control."

Reg is still active in the fishing community as president of his club Kingfisher's angling and preservation society and still advocates for the conservation of Britain's river wildlife.