EDWIN Boorman, the chairman and chief executive of the Kent Messenger Group, has been awarded an OBE for his services to the Royal British Legion in Kent.

Mr Boorman is president of the Kent County Royal British Legion and president of the Royal British Legion Village Branch. He has also been chairman of the Royal British Legion Industries board since the year 2000, having originally joined the board 31 years ago.

He said: "It is a privilege to have been recognised in this Jubilee year. The work carried out by the Royal British Legion in Kent, including Royal British Legion Industries, is as relevant today as ever. It is a pleasure to be part of an organisation and people who do so much good."

Charles Busby, a national vice president and former national chairman of the RBL, described Mr Boorman as a "keen and ardent member" and "a most dedicated president."

He added: "I am delighted for him. It is a well deserved honour."