A special reception in the island was held for a Lonan man who recently received an MBE from Prince Charles.

Stewart Clague got to shake hands with royalty at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his contribution to the Laxey and Lonan community.

’I was amazed at how well briefed Prince Charles had been on the reasons why I had got it, which was due to business and the work I had done in charities for Lonan and Laxey,’ he said.

’Having Lonan and Laxey announced on the speaker at the Palace was very exciting.’

The investiture took place on March 14, which happened to be on his wife Barbara’s birthday.

’The MBE went to me, but really everything that’s been done has been done between the both of us,’ Mr Clague said.

On Tuesday (April 2) the couple attended a ceremony hosted by the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney at Government House in Onchan.

’On the night, the MBE was taken off and put on Barbara. She was shocked as she didn’t know I was going to do that. Most people who congratulated me on getting an MBE also commented on the woman behind the man.’

Other guests included his son and daughter-in-law, grandson, and the directors behind his business SCS Ltd.

’I had a really good and interesting time with the Lieutenant Governor and his wife. He did a lovely speech and congratulations,’ he added.

Mr Clague’s work includes opening a conservation area to encourage wildlife in the area and is open for the public to enjoy. The Ballannette Reserve was set up 20 years ago in memory of his daughter and is based in Baldrine.

’We’ve got the correct habitat in trees and grasses so now more rare birds are flying in,’ he added.