Retired sector manager at East Kent Coastguards Andy Roberts, who lives in Deal, has been awarded an MBE.

Andy, 61, of Manor Avenue, is press officer for Walmer Lifeboat and is also working with the RNLI crew at Dover.

His work for the coastguard service, which he joined in 1983, was recognised in the award and also his volunteer work for helping children with special needs, as well as their parents.

He said:"Receiving the MBE is quite a humbling experience. It is a good feeling."

Andy joined the merchant navy after school and his first job on dry land was as watch officer at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Langdon Battery, above the cliffs north of Dover.

"I had different jobs within the operations room and in 1997 was appointed section manager for east Kent. That was like winning the lottery for me."

Finishing his career as sector manager, based at The Marina in north Deal, Andy was responsible for cliff teams and search teams working along the coast from Herne Bay to Rye.

Mr Roberts expects to visit Buckingham Palace within the next six months for the presentation of his MBE by the Queen and will be accompanied by his wife Hilary and their son Thomas, 25.

* For full story buy the East Kent Mercury on Thursday.