Former Newham ceremonial mayor Cllr Bryan Collier made an emotional visit to Buckingham Palace last week to collect his MBE.

Bryan, 68, a councillor for Canning Town Southh ward, has served the borough for more than 40 years in a variety of positions.

“You don’t serve the community to get awards, but I have to say I was close to tears, “ said Bryan.

He received the award from Prince Charles.

“I would like to thanks those who nominated me for this honour, and thank you to everyone for their kind wishes and sentiments,” he said.

One of his prodest achievements was setting up Newham’s civic awards, supported by the council and the Recorder, to honour local people.