A man from Knebworth has been awarded with an MBE for his services to the music industry and charity in Her Majesty The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Robert Wilson received the honour in recognition of his work as chairman of Letchworth company Sound Tecnology Ltd, which is one of the largest independent musical instrument and audio distributors in the UK.

The company – which is based at Letchworth Point – supplies guitars, keyboards and PA sound systems to venues such places as the O2 Arena, The Emirates Stadium, Old Trafford, Twickenham and Wimbledon.

Robert, who used to live in Letchworth, is also a director of Music for Youth – a London-based charity providing live music opportunities for young people which he’s been involved since the early 1970s.

So far the charity has had more than 2 million young people participating at events with more than 3,000 performing at the Schools Proms each year at the Royal Albert Hall.

The alumni of Music For Youth include Nigel Kennedy, Evelyn Glennie, Gary Barlow and Laura Mvula.

Robert said: “To be awarded an MBE is a great honour and one which I am delighted to receive.

“As well as being an honour for me, I see this as recognition of all the hard work from the staff in the various organisations who are continuing to promote and encourage the playing and creating of music and music education.”

Robert has also worked on behalf of both the UK Music Industries Association for more than 35 years, as well as having been the only UK director of the America’s National Association of Music Merchants.