A radio presenter who was recognised in the New Year’s Honours List has been made a patron of an Island station.

Danny Lawrence was presented with the British Empire Medal for services to community radio earlier this month.

He was instrumental in launching BRFM and now lives in Basildon, Essex, where he is a director of the station Gateway 97.8.

He is also deputy mayor of Basildon, a Rotary president and school governor.

But it is the internet station Sheppey FM which he has been made a patron of.

He visited its base in the Sheppey Community Media Centre on Wednesday.

The 47-year-old said: “I’m thrilled to be involved again.

“As patron, I shall be keen to help its training to disadvantaged groups, obtain media accreditation and help build its success.”