The Blue Peter badge is one of the most sought-after childhood items - but a man from Norwich has been awarded one, at the age of 34.

Entertainment journalist, Mark Boardman, has received his gold badge - the rarest badge awarded for exceptional achievement - for his help in promoting young rising musicians.

The former Wymondham College student, who is the CEO of MarkMeets.com – a UK entertainment site - first got into the media in the early 2000s through writing about film premiers and interviewing celebrities.

The father-of-two was nominated to receive the badge by various people within the media for his involvement in showcasing young and unknown talent.

Mr Boardman said: 'I help put together showcases to show off new talent – I've always tried to help people. I post articles on young and talented musicians with links to their Youtube. I put on showcases where key figures in the industry attend and I have helped people such as Jessie J and Sam Smith.'

The showbiz reporter states that being awarded the golden badge and being among the elite to have one is up there with the rest of his awards.

He said: 'It is quite an amazing accolade. I don't earn money from pushing these artists, I just love doing it and it's nice to be recognised for doing something I love.

'It has taken pride of place with my other media achievements.'

Have you got a Blue Peter Badge? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk

• Children's show visited Blakeney Point nature reserve on Wednesday to film for a show which will air on the CBBC channel next Thursday at 5.30pm.

The reserve is famous for its seal colony and Presenter Radzi Chinyanganya toured the reserve with rangers Ajay Tegala and George Baldock, to see the last of the seals before the leave when breeding season ends.

After touring the reserve, the Blue Peter team then went on to the RSPCA's Norfolk Wildlife Hospital in East Winch which cares for orphaned, sick or injured seals seal pups as well as other species of British wildlife.