A FORMER headteacher has been presented with the Order of the British Empire in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Brian Jones was awarded the OBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List, a few months after retiring from St John's RC Comprehensive School, in Bishop Auckland, last summer.
His wife, Ursula, and daughters Clare Johnson and Helen Barnham, who are all teachers, were at the palace to see him receive the honour from Prince Charles last week.
It was awarded for his services to education and the community in County Durham.
Mr Jones, who lives at Witton-le-Wear, is a former Tranmere Rovers footballer.
He still goes back to St John's to watch school matches and to turn out in staff five-a-side games.
He said: "I only had a few seconds with Prince Charles, but he asked me if I was enjoying my retirement. He was well briefed and it was nice that he had obviously made an effort."
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