A FORMER governor of a Cricklewood school has said he is “surprised” at being awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

David Lewis, 80, of North Way, Hampstead Garden Suburb, was handed the honour after serving on the board for the school for nearly 40 years.

He told the Times Series: “I was surprised, governors do not get a recognition like that so I'm lucky.

“It's a huge honour both for me and my wife and for the school itself. I was a governor there for nearly 40 years and it's lovely to have recognition for a comprehensive school in the borough.”

He became a governor as his three children all attended the school from 1970, where he said the “had a wonderful time, as did a lot of children”.

Mr Lewis stepped down as chairman of governors in May as the school as given Trust status, to allow a new board to be put in place.

He said: “We ended last year on a real high with an 'Outstanding' Ofsted report and I'm very proud of what we have achieved at the school.

“Since I started I have seen 18 Education Ministers and four head teachers come and go. Margaret Thatcher was Education Minister when I first started, that's how long ago it was.”

Mr Lewis, who was born in the borough, spent his career in the manufacturing sector.

He added he is looking forward to his visit to Buckingham Palace to receive his award, although no date has yet been set for it.