A school governor received his OBE for services improving environmental health.

HRH The Prince of Wales presented Graham Jukes, from Pinner, with his OBE on Friday last week for his work as chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

Mr Jukes, who is also chairman of governors at Reddiford School, in Pinner, visited Buckingham Palace with his family to receive the OBE, announced in the New Year’s honours list.

The 62-year-old said: “It was a fantastic day and it was lovely to share it with the rest of my family.

“There were so many other people there on the day and it was quite humbling to be there with all of them and hearing all the amazing work they had done for charity.

"I have to say I was more nervous about collecting the honour than I have been speaking in front of more than a thousand people.

"It is fantastic to be recognised in this way the whole day was very special.”

Mr Jukes was joined on the day by his wife Barbara, his son Harry and his brother David and was presented his honour by Prince Charles. 

They then met with other friends and family for a reception at the Ritz Hotel London.

Mr Jukes, who was appointed chief executive of the CIEH in 2000, has worked in environmental health for more than 40 years, working on projects in the UK and all over the world.

His work has included being a consultant to the World Health Organisation on the introduction of environmental health solutions to countries in political transition.