A BRITISH Empire Medal (BEM) has been awarded to a dedicated music teacher and ex-marine from Yelverton.

Peter Twyman, a teacher at Lipson Co-operative Academy, has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for his dedication to young people and music.

With diplomas in clarinet, violin, conducting and theory, Mr Twyman is also qualified as part of the Royal Marines’ Band Service.

After a 17-year long career in the forces, Mr Twyman joined Lipson Academy — where he often puts his military background to good use by giving students outdoor training sessions.

Mr Twyman also leads the school’s teams in the annual Ten Tors challenge, spending his weekends taking trips to Dartmoor.

As well as his outdoor education and teaching responsibilities Mr Twyman leads the school’s Co-operative Big Band, which is gaining recognition throughout the region.

Steve Baker, principal at Lipson, described Mr Twyman as being of a ‘rare breed’.

He also said that the music school’s ‘outstanding’ rating was due to Mr Twyman’s teaching.

Mr Twyman has active roles in Plymouth Music Accord and Plymouth Education Music Hub.

l Among other recipients in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List was Jane Howorth from Devon, who is founder of the British Hen Welfare Trust.

The charity has just celebrated its 10th anniversary and in a few weeks will be breaking records with the re-homing of its half a millionth hen.