A 96-year-old singer celebrated the news that he is to receive an MBE in the best way he knew - with a song.

Arthur Wilson received rapturous applause for his solo performance at last weekend's Keighley Festival concert by Steeton Male Voice Choir.

Arthur is the award-winning choir's former musical director and was last year made its president after more than seven decades of singing.

He was summoned from his place in the 60-strong choir's baritone section on Saturday to perform one of his favourite pieces, "The Old Brigade".

Arthur was recently named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List as one of the people chosen to receive the Medal of the British Empire.

He joined Steeton Male Voice Choir in 1922 when it was known as Steeton Male Glee Union, taking a break after several years then returning in 1952.

He spent 25 years as musical director and conductor, taking the choir to success and generating affection among the members, then returned to his place in the baritone section.

Arthur has also had considerable success in music festivals over the past 70 years.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.