THE British Country Music Association’s Hall Of Fame has given its 2013 award to Hartlepool’s Johnny Larkin for his contribution to country music. Johnny is a young 88-year-old inductee who has become a legend in the North- East. His contribution started with his love of country music in 1948, when his main influence was Hank Williams.

Having won a Butlins Holiday camp competition he sang and entertained around various venues prior to opening his own entertainment agency in Hartlepool to cater for British country music artists.

This also gave him the opportunity to bring in artists from the US which included fiddler Billy Armstrong, Charlie Walker, Marvin Rainwater and Boxcar Willie. He does admit to turning down a young lady called Tammy Wynette, who was not so well known at the time.

A recording artist in his own right, after the recent death of his wife, Doris, Johnny made an album with all profits going to the Parkinson’s Society. This is only one of the fundraising events that he has organised. The JL Entertainments agency is now run by his son Mick. I cannot think of anyone who deserves the accolade more than Johnny.