Marketing expert Bruce Bell is a jolly good fellow – and that's official.

Mr Bell, of Perfectly Clear Marketing, Sittingbourne, has been awarded Fellow status by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

The prestigious accolade recognises his business knowledge and experience in the industry, including a number of senior marketing and business development positions in Kent and the South East.

Mr Bell, who is also a Chartered Marketer, said: "For many years I have worked hard to develop marketing strategies with a range of clients.

"I am delighted my peers have recognised my contribution to marketing and business development."

Meanwhile, Mr Bell swapped a suit for lycra when he teamed up with Kent cyclists calling themselves the Crocked Messieurs to pedal from London to Paris to raise more than £7,000 for the Royal British Legion.

He joined business friends and 300 others to complete the 300-mile ride in four days.

They stopped at Royal British Legion Village in Aylesford for refreshments before heading for Dover and on to Paris.

On the journey through the French countryside, they stopped at numerous villages for poignant wreath laying ceremonies in memory of the fallen.

"The cycling was hard and challenging, with a surprising number of hills, but extremely rewarding," said Mr Bell.

In Tour de France style, the cyclists completed their four-day ride on the Champs Elysees where they were greeted by veterans for an emotional ceremony under the Arc de Triomphe.