A reception marking his award of a MBE was held in John Railton's honour at St Lawrence Chapel, St Lawrence Lane, Ashburton, on Saturday.

The venue was chosen because it is a building in which Mr Railton, from Totnes, has given dozens of concerts, supported many a concert of others and where he operated as an Associated Board examiner.

More than 100 guests enjoyed drinks and canapes and live music from him, his daughter Lucy and from Kate Elmitt.

Geoffrey Histed paid tribute to Mr Railton, who has worked in the south west for the last 25 years.

'John can be in little doubt after the presentation of the high esteem in which he is held,' said Mr Histed, who coordinated the MBE submission.

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