A CHARITY worker visited Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE for services to the community from Prince Charles.

Vera Macaulay, of Slimbridge, joined over 100 other people on the Queen's birthday honours list in a four-hour ceremony to receive her MBE medal.

The 87-year-old was nominated for the MBE by her family in recognition of her years of voluntary work in the area.

Since moving to Slimbridge in 1953 with her late husband Angus, Mrs Macaulay has worked helping many areas of the local community.

She worked as clerk to Slimbridge Parish Council for 32 years and as clerk to Slimbridge primary school for 25 years.

Mrs Macaulay was a founding member of the Cotswold Vale talking newspaper, based in Dursley, and was well known as the president of the Slimbridge Women's Institute for many years.

A keen charity worker, Mrs Macaulay still delivers Meals on Wheels to the elderly despite walking with a stick herself.

Mrs Macaulay and her son, daughter and son-in-law all went to London for the MBE ceremony.

When receiving her medal from the Prince he inquired about Lady Philippa Scott, wife of the late Sir Peter Scott, founder of Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Mrs Macaulay said: "I told him she lived the other side of the village to me but I would tell her the Prince was asking after her.

"I met the prince with a low curtsey - I didn't want to let the side down with a poor curtsey.

"He asked me about what I have been doing and I told him about the talking newspaper, which he thought was excellent and the WI.

"I took the opportunity to wish him and the Duchess a merry Christmas and he said the same to me."

Mrs Macaulay added: "It was a wonderful day and a very impressive celebration."