A music teacher who has inspired hundreds of children to pick up an instrument has received his British Empire Medal.

Timothy Meynell, 74, a grandfather of Rusts Lane, Alconbury, was named in the Queen’s New Year Honours and was presented with his medal on Friday, March 20, at Alconbury Primary School by Lord Lieutenant Hugh Duberly and deputy Lord Lieutenant John Bridge.

Mr Meynell has spent the last 25 years volunteering at the school, teaching recorder and flute to pupils. He is also a school governor.

He said: “I had no inkling that I was going to get this award. I was extremely surprised and pleased. It’s a happy thought that you can get a medal for doing something that is fun and which you like doing.”

Mr Meynell, who worked in accountancy and marketing for Unigate and Dairy Crest before he retired, was joined for the ceremony by his wife, Susan and their four children, Louisa, David, Matthew and Robin. All four of his children were pupils at Alconbury as were the couple’s two foster children. The couple have six grandchildren.

The Meynells have been invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May.