THE mother of an Army captain who was raised in Darlington has spoken of her pride after he was awarded an MBE.

Captain Steffan Wright, 47, of the Royal Engineers, was presented with the honour for his work to secure stadiums across the UK in preparation for the London Olympics, working in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police.

Capt Wright, who attended Dodmire Infant and Junior Schools and Haughton School before joining the Army, was joined by his family at Buckingham Palace, where he received his MBE from Prince Charles.

He follows in the footsteps of his father, Captain Henry Wright, also of the Royal Engineers, who was himself awarded an MBE 18 years ago.

Gisela Taylor, Captain Wright’s mother, spoke of her pride at her son’s achievements and said he was well remembered by people in the local area.

She added: “It was a wonderful day at the palace, something I will never forget. Me and his sister, Caroline, are so very proud of him.”