A folklore expert from Malvern is to be commended for his work with a top national award.

Roy Palmer, chairman of the Friends of the Dymock Poets, will receive the gold badge, the British Folk, Dance and Song Society's highest honour, for his work on folklore.

He has been a member of the BFDSS for 30 years, on the editorial board of Folk Music Journal for 20 years, and has written a number of books on the subject, including editing the Oxford Book of British Ballards.

Mr Palmer said: "Some of the previous recipients are very distinguished people. It's the highest honour, so I was thrilled to be offered it."

The award will be presented at the Cheltenham Folk Festival on February 7.

Mr Palmer has just completed a book on the folklore of Shropshire, to be published in April, and is in the middle of another book about Worcestershire folklore.