Walking 'on air' - Shropshire radio and panto legend Eric Smith awarded British Empire Medal
A Shropshire radio legend and pantomime star has told of his surprise to be awarded a British Empire Medal.
Eric Smith, who was a breakfast host for BBC Radio Shropshire for more than 26 years, has been honoured for his services to radio and the wider community.
The 71-year-old, who lives in Oteley Road, Shrewsbury, was the longest serving radio host in the country when he retired in December 2020, and had starred in Shrewsbury pantomimes at the old Music Hall and at Theatre Severn for many years.
Now he has been recognised for both his stellar career and his work in bringing the community together through various events including Shrewsbury's Carols In The Square.
"It was a complete surprise," he said. "About three weeks ago I had a letter through the door which said 'Cabinet Office'.
"I though 'Woah, hang on a minute'. I've interviewed people who've had these things many times. It just came out of the blue.
"I showed my wife (Linda) and she reacted the same as me, just open-mouthed. It's really lovely."
Eric admits he "fell into" radio after getting an office job at Radio Sheffield when he was 20. He ended up with a presenting gig and "loved it ever since".
It was there he cut his teeth as a host, and also the place he would later get inspiration from for Carols In The Square, after being involved in a similar event in the Steel City.
