RAF Squadron Leader gets MBE

The Prince of Wales discussed Shropshire's royal connections as he presented an RAF squadron leader with an MBE at Buckingham Palace.

Neil Hope, 47, was presented with the honour yesterday.

He said Prince Charles chatted with him about his sons Princes William and Harry, who both trained as helicopter pilots at the airbase in 2009 and 2010.

Sqn Ldr Hope was being recognised for his charity work and efforts to make the Shropshire airbase more efficient.

In the past six years he has raised at least £100,000 under his Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal, which collects and re-distributes football kits to children in developing countries. So far it has sent more than 19,000 football shirts to 39 countries.

He said: "Prince Charles and I had a quick chat as he put the medal on me and we spoke about Shawbury and the fact that he has been there because his lads trained there.

"He said he remembered me from his visits there and we also spoke about the football shirts appeal and, briefly, noise complaints at the base."

Sqn Ldr Hope who was joined inside the palace by mum Norma, wife Helen and daughter Charlotte, nine.

Sons Christopher and Sebastian joined him outside as the celebrations continued post-ceremony.

The Hopes celebrated on the eve of the ceremony with a get-together at the Goring Hotel, where the Duchess of Cambridge stayed the night before her wedding to Prince William last year.