Melton Learning Hub director David receives MBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace

David, who was awarded his MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for his services to vocational education, received his honour from Prince Charles.

David’s parents and wife, Katie, went into the palace with him with other supportive family members also making the trip to London.

David was responsible for setting up the Melton Learning Hub on Burton Road, which will celebrate its 10th birthday on Thursday (June 23).

The acclaimed hub has proved a great success in providing vocational qualifications for youngsters, including those who have become disengaged from mainstream schooling in the Melton area.

David is now managing director of Alternative Learning Project Schools. Based in Leicester, but also managing two other centres in Kent, David manages the delivery of vocational education to young people with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other complex needs, while remaining in a strategic role with the Melton Learning Hub.

He said: “It was an amazing day at the palace. Just getting through the gate was brilliant and then being able to walk through the palace. We were all treated so well.

“I had a good chat with Prince Charles which lasted about 45 seconds.

“We chatted about the connection between the work I do and the Prince’s Trust and he really appreciated the value of vocational education for young people. It was a brilliant day.”