A CHURCH organist says he is proud and humbled after being recognised in the New Year’s Honour list.

Graham Wadley, from Wivenhoe, has played the organ during choir practice and services at St Mary’s Church in the town for more than 50 years.

And now he will be awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to church music.

Mr Wadley said: “The application initially went in five years ago so it was a nice surprise to receiving the good news.

“It’s something to be very proud of - it’s very humbling.”

Even though letters are sent to people receiving awards in advance, they are not allowed to share the news beyond close family.

The dedicated organist explained how he found out about his honour.

Mr Wadley said: “The letter arrived in November but it’s quite a funny story actually.

“I came home one evening and opened the front door and picked up the post on the floor.

“I’d just filed my tax return and as I was have a quick glance through the letters there was an envelope which said ‘On Her Majesty’s Service’ on the front.

“My initial thought was ‘Oh no, what have I done wrong here?’

He joked: “Thankfully when I opened the letter it was nothing to do with my taxes.”

Mr Wadley moved to Wivenhoe when he was just six weeks old and joined the choir at St Mary’s as a seven-year-old.

By the time he was 13 he began to learn to play the organ.

And at St Mary’s in 1975 he married his wife, Hilary, who he met through the choir.

The couple had three children, James, Lucy and Emily and all three also sang in the choir.

While other honours are given by the Queen or Prince of Wales, the BEM is awarded by Lord-Lieutenants who represent the Crown in each county.

And Mr Wadley said he was looking forward to receiving the award.

He said: “I believe the arrangements still need to be made but I’m sure it will be a nice celebration.

“The Lord-Lieutenant does the presentation and it’ll take place locally.

“There’s also a garden party at Buckingham Palace but I don’t know whether the Royal Wedding will affect plans for that.”

The organist has been dedicated to the instrument for more than 40 years through his involvement with the Society for Church Music.

He is also a trustee and director of governing councils for the Royal School of Church Music.