A RESIDENT of South Zeal was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours.
Kai Kin Yung, of Ivy Cottage, received the award for services to the National Portrait Gallery where he was Head of Documentation prior to his retirement in August.
Mr Yung, who was born and brought up in Hong Kong, was formerly a pupil of First World War war poet Edmund Blunden.
The poet's widow was among the first people Mr Yung told on learning of the award which he said he was 'delighted and honoured' to receive.
After graduating in English Literature in Hong Kong, Mr Yung came to Leeds University to do a postgraduate course.
Later he became the first curator of the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Lichfield, Staffs, working there from 1966.
In 1973 he took up an appointment at the Portrait Gallery as registrar and exhibition officer. Later he concentrated on work as registrar.
Mr Yung, who became Head of Documentation two years ago, said he thoroughly enjoyed working at the Portrait Gallery which was like a family knit business with staff helping each other.
'It is a very happy place to work in,' he said.
Mr Yung married his wife, Judy, nee Langton-Lockton, of Chagford, in 1976 and has regularly visited Devon ever since.
His interests include tennis and reading. Among plans for the future he would like to further research into West Country artists including Thomas Beach.