An inspirational artist from Alton is set for a brush with royalty after being honoured by His Majesty King Charles III.

Hundreds of Altonians have congratulated Tom Yendell after the mouth-and-foot artist featured on the King’s Birthday Honours list.

The long-standing Chairman of Treloar College Association said he was “honoured” with the artist being given a richly-deserved OBE for services to Young People with Disabilities.

Tom was born in Winchester in 1962 without arms or hands as his mother was prescribed with the infamous Thalidomide drug during her pregnancy. But he overcame the disabilities to enjoy a lifetime in the arts, with recent developments including the launch of the Freedom Through Expression Gallery on Normandy Street.

He became involved in Physically Handicapped and Able-bodied (PHAB) clubs whilst studying at Brighton University and later ran three near the city.

Tom Yendell, Sue Dell, Damian Hinds, Janet Duggan and Claire Morris at the New Directions event at Alton College.

He is also chairman of the MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of Disabled Children in the Arts, while he’s also encouraged deaf and disabled students in Ghana into college.

He said: “I started volunteering with young people with disabilities in youth clubs whilst I was doing by Foundation Art Course in Hastings when I was just 19.

“I was very happy to be informed that His Majesty is to honour me,” said Mr Yendell, who is affectionately called “Mr Tom” by many Ghanian students.

Mouth and foot painter Tom Yendell with students at Treloar.

“I am very honoured to receive this award, and I’m extremely happy to be recognised for the volunteering which I have been very happy to do.”

His colleagues at Freedom Through Expression told the Herald last Saturday they are “extremely proud” of Tom and that his recognition is thoroughly deserved.

There’s another Altonian on the Honours list as Damon De Laszlo has been awarded a CBE for services to the Manufacturing Industry and to Scientific and Charitable Causes.