COMMUNITY stalwart Valerie Young enjoyed a memorable day at Windsor Castle when she received an MBE from the Duke of Cambridge.

Mrs Young, from Bexton Lane, Knutsford, was awarded the accolade in The Queen’s Birthday Honours in June for her services to the people of Knutsford.

The award recognised Mrs Young’s work in the community for 40 years, which included 30 years as a magistrate and serving as the mayor of Knutsford.

She attended the presentation at Windsor Castle with her husband Ian and children Nicholas, Simon and Fiona, who live respectively in Knutsford, Chester and Knutsford.

“I spoke to Prince William for about a minute, and he was very easy to chat to,” said Mrs Young.

“It was a very enjoyable day, the weather was absolutely superb and we all had a really lovely time.”

Mrs Young is a governor at Knutsford Academy and a co-ordinator for the Knutsford Good Neighbours scheme.

She is also a stand-in reader for Knutsford Talking Newspaper and occasionally takes keep fit classes at The Stroke Club and The Thursday Club.

She served as a town councillor from 1977 to 1987, was Knutsford Town Mayor for 1980/1981 and also served as a Venture Scout Leader and Guide Leader.

She has been involved for many years with the town’s twinning link with Montmorency near Paris.

Mrs Young was one of 73 people to receive awards at the castle, and she and her family enjoyed a tour of the royal residence.