A weekly newspaper columnist and former regional press journalist has received his OBE from King Charles.

The King has presented Mike Edwards with his honour in a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

Mike, pictured, is a columnist for the Helensburgh Advertiser and also previously worked as a sports correspondent at Aberdeen’s Press & Journal and as a news reporter for STV.

An Army reservist and deputy lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, he was honoured in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee birthday honours list last summer for his public and charitable service.

The 58-year-old told the Advertiser: “I have been floating since I learned about the award last year. To receive it means it’s actually real.

“King Charles was very regal, but also very chatty and we talked about the charities I work for.

“While the OBE was awarded to me it is very much recognition for the amazing charities it is my privilege to represent.”