A STALWART of the local amateur theatrical scene has been honoured by the Queen.

Robert Wilson was awarded an MBE in the Birthday Honours List.

Mr Wilson was a founder member of the Midland Musical Theatre Group (MMTG), which puts on annual shows at Malvern Theatres.

"I've been involved in music and theatre since my teens," he said. "My father, Walter Wilson, first got me involved when I was about 14 or 15."

Mr Wilson's first appearance was with the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) in the chorus of Showboat.

Since then, he has taken part in at least 100 shows for WODS and other groups, many of which he has directed.

In 1978, Mr Wilson created the Midlands Musical Theatre Group (MMTG).

He said: "It was only supposed to be for one show but here we are, more than 20 years later, putting on a show every year."

The MMTG is well known for its regular variety-style shows that attract big audiences to the Malvern Theatres each year.

One of Mr Wilson's most recent shows was the Malvern Light Opera Society's production of Me And My Girl at Malvern Theatres earlier this year, which he directed.

He said he was delighted to receive the MBE, which was given for services to the community.

"This award is really for my mother and father, who were so encouraging, and for my wife Susan, who has been my inspiration for so long," he said.

Mr Wilson said he was looking forward to the investiture later in the year.