A college director and charity trustee has described attending Buckingham Palace to be formally made an MBE by Prince Charles as "spectacular".

Kaneez Shaid, director of marketing at Sir George Monoux College in Chingford Road, Walthamstow, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in June for her services to young people and the community in east London.

Dr Shaid, who is also a trustee of community campaign organisation Citizens UK, said: “It was a spectacular day.”

“I was very fortunate that my parents and whole family were there to enjoy the day with me.”

“Charles asked me about my service to east London and more specifically what my non-youth sector contributions to society had been.

“We spoke briefly about my involvement with the largest civil alliance movement in Britain through the social justice work of Citizens UK.

She said she concluded their conversation by congratulating His Royal Highness on the birth of his grandson.