David Whelton, a former managing director of the Philharmonia Orchestra from Farnham, has been recognised by King Charles III for his role as music advisor for last year’s Coronation.

Mr Whelton, 70, lives in Crooksbury Road and was appointed to the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in the New Year’s Honours List.

This honour was a personal award from His Majesty The King, Charles III.

Mr Whelton, who has previously been made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), said: “This is a great honour and it was a privilege to work with so many gifted musicians from the UK and across the Commonwealth.

“Everyone involved felt that the Coronation showed Great Britain and the Commonwealth at their very best.”

Mr Whelton trained as a pianist and organist. Following an early career in education and a stint at the Arts Council, in 1988 he was appointed managing director of the Philharmonia Orchestra a role he fulfilled for some 30 years.

Mr Whelton has also been president of Farnham Youth Choir since 2017.