Terry Waite knighted in King's Birthday Honours

* Terry Waite at the official opening of Llangollen's Centenary Square in summer 2018. He is flanked by the then-mayor and deputy mayor Jon Haddy and Issy Richards.

Former hostage Terry Waite, who served for many years as president of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, has been knighted in the King's Birthday Honours for his services to charity.

Sir Terry, 84, who lives in Suffolk, spent almost five years in captivity after being kidnapped by Islamic terrorists in Lebanon.

He travelled to Beirut as an envoy for the Church of England to try to secure the release of four hostages, but was kidnapped and held captive from 1987 until 1991.

He was kept in solitary confinement, forced to put a blindfold on when anybody came into the room, faced a mock execution and was beaten.

Speaking to the BBC about his honour, Sir Terry, co-founder and president of Hostage International, said: "It really is a big surprise. I had no idea that this was coming up.

"I was given an MBE many years ago and then I got a CBE several years afterwards. Now this is the next one up, so to speak.

"I think I've been very fortunate to get this because there are many other people who are deserving of honours who don't get mentioned."

Sir Terry stood down from his position with the Eisteddfod in 2020 after being a familiar sight on the field and at the evening concerts in the Pavilion.

At the time his retirement was announced, Dr Rhys Davies, who was then Eisteddfod chairman said: “His commitment to the Eisteddfod has been exemplary forever promoting our festival and extending the hand of friendship.”