Manx folk music legend John Kaneen has been awarded the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan for his contribution to the island’s culture.

The host of Manx Radio’s The Folk Show for more than 30 years was described as a ’very worthy recipient’ of the award by Culture Vannin.

Mr Kaneen, who is 78, has been a central figure in the island’s folk music scene for about 50 years now, having run a folk club in Douglas in the 1960s with former MLC David Callister. Together the duo organised festivals and events for folk musicians.

He was also a founding member and president of the Manx Ballads and Blues Club which attracted musicians and song writers such as Stuart Slack and Mike Williams.

In a statement, Culture Vannin said: ’Those nominating John spoke of his "generosity of spirit in sharing his knowledge and musicianship with groups and individuals", his "unique blend of knowledge skills and accomplishments he brings to music and the history of song and dance on the Isle of Man".

’And summed up his modesty by saying "although huge in person and character, John Kaneen is a modest type of chap and I would doubt that he would seek to be awarded anything".’

During the 1960s, Mr Kaneen left the island to work in Liverpool where he performed at folk clubs throughout Merseyside before returning to the island after seven years away.

While working on The Folk Show Mr Kaneen has worked to include young and new folk groups in the island to record music with him for broadcast.

Speaking to the Examiner, Mr Kaneen said he was ’very pleased’ to even be nominated and equally humbled.

He added: ’I wasn’t expecting it at all so I was very surprised.

’I don’t feel I’ve contributed as much as some of the other names on this trophy. But it is good to be recognised by the people involved in the island’s culture.

’Culture Vannin invite nominations and the nominees only found out by the letter where you’re asked if you’d accept the award. So it is very pleasing to be nominated and recognised by those who you know.’ Mr Kaneen has also been involved in organising the Hunt the Wren event on St Stephen’s Day in Douglas for a number of years.

He is recognised for the revival of interest in the event.

During the 1980s however, Mr Kaneen had the opportunity to appear as Manannan, after who the RBV-Reih Bleeaney Vanannan is named.

As the picture above shows, he was fitted out in full length cloak and headdress towering over the founder of the YN Chruinnaght Inter-Celtic Festival Mona Douglas.

During the presentation at the Millennium Room at the Legislative Buildings with his friends and family Mr Kaneen was also presented with a cheque and two charities of his choosing, Port St Mary Lifeboat and Hospice Isle of Man.

They each received a £250 donation.

Culture Vannin chairman Chris Thomas MHK said: ’John Kaneen seems to be the sort of man who "would not seek to be awarded anything", as one of his nominees wrote.

’But he certainly seemed delighted wearing his RBV cultural award when playing his button accordion at O’Donnells later on Wednesday.’

Mr Thomas added: ’He is a worthy recipient - a talented and larger-than-life musician, singer, dancer, broadcaster and a quiet scholar.’