ONE of the last people to be awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II has called her a role model for the elderly.

Her Majesty made Care Home Volunteers founder Norman Edwards a Member of the British Empire in her last Birthday Honours list in June.

Mr Edwards started the business in Salisbury in 2014 to recruit people who work in care homes with older people who cannot look after themselves at home because of illness or disability.

It has since grown to cover Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North-East Somerset, with around 100 volunteers out and about at any one time.

Mr Edwards said: "Like nearly everyone else in the UK, the Queen has been part of my life for almost as long as I can remember.

"I remember her father George VI’s death in February 1952 – hearing the tolling of the bells on the radio. I had only just turned six years old at the time.

"We were still celebrating Empire Day at the time - which makes one think about how the Queen has successfully managed the country’s much-needed change away from its colonial past to a Commonwealth of Nations, working to bring peace and cooperation between countries.

"I remember well Elizabeth’s coronation, when I was only 7 years old.  I watched the event along with family friends and relations on a TV with a tiny screen at a neighbour’s house.

"There were Union Jacks everywhere. I think I may still have my Coronation Mug somewhere!

"We went to watch the Queen drive past on her tour of London Boroughs after the ceremony.

"Nearly 70 years later, I was lucky enough to be awarded an MBE.

"At 96 years old, 30 years past the age when most people stop working, the Queen was still performing her duties.

"Likewise, all around me, I see older people playing a full part in their communities, running organisations, and doing important voluntary work.

"Just like the Queen has done, they are often supporting their families through difficult times. The Queen has been a role model for older people. I hope this will help our nation to celebrate old age, and respect and appreciate the contribution older people make to society.

"We now have a new King, who himself is well into his 70’s. I am sure he will bring the wisdom and long experience he has accumulated as heir to bear on his new role, and help make his country a better place for all generations."