A FORMER council chairman has been honoured with an MBE for his work in the community.

Robert Long, 84, received his investiture at Buckingham Palace on Friday.

Mr Long has dedicated 40 years of his working life to local government, including 23 years on Maldon District Council.

Mr Long said: “From all my experience with public relations, I can say that I was reasonably calm, but I can tell you everyone was geared up.

“It’s a very overpowering sensation. It’s all so official, you’re walking through history when you go through the Palace.

“There is a strong gravity to the situation and it’s all very official.2

Mr Long welcomed Her Majesty to Maldon in 2010 as chairman of Maldon District Council. He added: “I had about 30 seconds of conversation with The Queen and she lit up like a Christmas tree. She’s got beautiful china blue eyes. She was very animated when she saw me. My son, daughter and wife were supporting me and even they noticed.

“She remembered me, that’s something isn’t it?

In the letter from the Honours and Appointments Secretariat, it said: “Robert Long’s experience and personality in dealing with the general public and the press became legendary as he gained the respect of everyone he dealt with.

“During his 23 years as a district councillor, he became the recognised advocate for his ward, the parish council and the public, defending and representing them at council and its various committees.

Mr Long was responsible for the design of the new council chamber for in 1975 as well as its current coat of arms. He has stepped down from the district council but remains a Tolleshunt Knights parish councillor.