A volunteer who has been present at more than 1,700 police interviews with young and vulnerable people has been presented with an MBE.

Chris Barmby worked alongside Kent Police for more than 12 years, supporting children taken into custody, as well as adults with learning difficulties.

He volunteered as an appropriate adult between 2003 and 2015 and regularly performed this role for children’s charity The Young Lives Foundation, based in College Road, Maidstone.

Earlier this year Mr Barmby, of Tonbridge, was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his 'service to policing and the community’.

Today, a day after visiting Buckingham Palace to receive his medal from Prince William, Mr Barmby met with Kent Police Ch Insp Dave Pate and Young Lives Foundation Chief Executive, Stephen Gray.

Ch Insp Dave Pate said: "Chris Barmby has provided a tremendous contribution over many years, not only to Kent Police, but to countless young people and his local community.

"Appropriate adults perform a vital role in being readily available to assist with the needs of children and vulnerable people, of whom many arrive in custody without a responsible adult, such as a family member or guardian. Those in custody may need the help of someone who is available to attend and ensure they understand their rights and what officers are telling them.

"The likes of Mr Barmby sacrifice their own free time to attend police stations at all hours and they remain a key component in ensuring the smooth running of the custody function."