A West Wickham audiologist has returned from a trip to Armenia with Elton John after helping people with hearing loss.

James Owen, from Owen Hearing on the high street in West Wickham, was on a mission with Starkey Hearing Technologies.

The foundation has provided over 1.9 million hearing devices in more than 100 countries. Their latest trip was to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, last month.

James also flew to Armenia in October to fit over 1800 people with hearing instruments.

After his latest trip he said: “I’m very pleased to be asked back to give the gift of hearing in Armenia. It is great to be involved in something that means so much more to the recipients who haven’t got the facilities in the own communities.

“This is proof that the Starkey Hearing Foundation doesn’t just visit once and leave with no support, it shows that what is given is for the long term with aftercare provided. It’s wonderful to be involved in continuing the support of the Armenian people.”

James' latest trip to Armenia was a 2,400 mile journey and he was joined by Elton John, his husband David Furnish and Starkey founder Bill Austin.