A charity volunteer from Hitchin has received an MBE from the Queen for his services to Save the Children. Les Hodges went to Buckingham Palace last week to get the award given for charitable work both locally and at a regional level. Mr Hodges has been i

A charity volunteer from Hitchin has received an MBE from the Queen for his services to Save the Children.

Les Hodges went to Buckingham Palace last week to get the award given for charitable work both locally and at a regional level.

Mr Hodges has been involved with the Hitchin branch of the charity for 23 years, during which he has served as chairman and treasurer as well as running record-breaking house-to-house collections.

For the last 16 years, the branch has been one of the top 10 for raising money during Save the Children Week, largely due to the efforts of Mr Hodges.

He also ensured that Beds and Herts was, for many years, the region raising the most money during the special week.

Among other things, he runs the Hitchin SCF 200 Club, a licensed lottery with the proceeds going to Save the Children.

Mr Hodges said: "I have enjoyed being involved with Save the Children and have made many good friends through helping to raise money for such a worthwhile cause."

He thanked all those, especially his wife Helen, who had helped him over the years.

Ian McKay, the charity's head of fundraising, said: "Les' extraordinary achievements have undoubtedly led to huge benefits for the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children around the world that we work with. I would like to thank him for his on-going commitment to Save the Children."

The MBE is not the first award gained by Mr Hodges, who was presented with the Save the Children Award by the Princess Royal in 2000.

Other charities with which he is involved include the Hitchin British Schools Trust, the North Hertfordshire National Trust and the Hertfordshire Decorative and Fine Arts Society.