An Eltham bagpiper who has played for the Queen is being honoured with a Freedom of the Borough award for his tireless charity work.

James Turkington will gain the prestigious award, which figures like Nelson Mandela and Doreen Lawrence also hold, on July 23 at a ceremony at Woolwich Town Hall.

The 70-year-old grandfather-of-six has played the bagpipes to raise money for countless charities including Demelza, Mencap and Help the Heroes.

The former security officer has performed at national events including at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle as well as being the lone piper at the Somme Monument in France.

The father-of-four, who lives in Sherard Road, was formally a UK ballroom champion with his wife and dance partner Catherine Turkington and the couple performed across Europe and at top venues such as the Royal Albert Hall.

Mrs Turkington said: “All his life he’s played for charities.

“He is chuffed about it because it does recognise his work.

“It means a lot to me. I am very proud of him.”