THE founder of '60s band The Merseybeats has said he felt 'happy and humbled' after being awarded an MBE for services to music, charity and the community in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Tony Crane - who has been in the music business for more than 55 years and has also helped save historic buildings in Wirral and further afield - told the Globe that he was honoured to be among those to receive this accolade.

The singer and guitarist, who lives in Meols, admitted: "When the letter arrived telling me I had been awarded the MBE I thought it was a joke, at first.

"But when it finally dawned on me that it was true, I felt very humbled.

"I am humbled to be recognised with such an honour as this for my long, successful and continuing career in music, raising money for numerous charities along with restoring many buildings in my local area.

"Congratulations to all the people who have been honoured too, for all kinds of amazing and significant work.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported me in the past 56 years.

"It is difficult to thank everyone by name, and I hope that everyone will accept this as one big thank you".

The Merseybeats' many hits included Mister Moonlight, Really Mystified and Wishin' & Hopin'.

They also support Relate Cheshire & Merseyside, a counselling service for local families and young people, for which Tony is a patron, regularly organising concerts for the charity.

He has also helped restore many old buildings in Wirral and beyond, including the former town hall in Hoylake.

On his charity work, Tony – who was born in Liverpool and has lived in Wirral since 1965 - reflected: "I've had such a successful career and so it's only right to put something back to charity.

"I don't treat myself as an unsung hero; I just do what I do.

"I love playing all over the world and helping raise funds for charities.

"My philosophy is that if the music business has been good to you – as it certainly has with me – you should give something back.

"I only got involved in restoring buildings through my music career, and really enjoy it.

"If I see a 100-year-old building that's crumbling, I just want to save it."

Music is a family affair, with Tony's daughter Natalie running the management side of The Merseybeats. 

His son Adrian, who is also in a band, sometimes joins Tony in Merseybeats' shows and runs the property side of dad's business.

The Merseybeats first started performing more than 50 years ago at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, playing alongside The Beatles and many other bands around in that era. They still perform throughout the UK and internationally.

Tony said: "To be honest, The Merseysbeats have never stopped.

"As well as touring England, we also play in Germany, Singapore, America and Kuala Lumpur.

"We've still got a very big fan base, bigger than we had in the 60s.

“It's always great to meet them after the shows.

"We often play all over the world so it is nice to play for a home crowd and all my family.

"It's still a great feeling that we get from the audience."