An Oxford resident has won a major award for his work promoting town twinning.

Peter Silvester, of Stone Street, east Oxford, received the Gold Pin of Leiden from the town's Burgomaster, Wolter Lemstra, during a ceremony in Oxford's Dutch twin city.

Peter Silvester, left, with wife Joyce and Wolter Lemstra

It is the highest award given by the Dutch to a non-citizen.

Mr Silvester has been connected with the Oxford-Leiden Link for more than 30 years, after he joined a group of Oxford photographers on a visit to Holland in the early 1970s.

Mr Silvester has held the post of secretary and vice-chairman for the Oxford twinning group.

He also designed the group's logo, and has carried out much behind-the-scenes work.

The presentation was a highlight of a four-day visit to Leiden, which included Lord Mayor of Oxford Gill Sanders and members of the Oxford-Leiden Link.

The party took part in a Remembrance Day service and silent procession through the streets.

Wreaths were laid at the war memorial by Mrs Sanders, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Malcolm Cochrane and members of the Oxfordshire Royal British Legion.