- By Christian Fuller
- BBC News, South East
Image source, Getty Images
Tony Hudgell, from West Malling, has been awarded the British Empire Medal
A nine-year-old charity founder is the youngest person to be honoured for services to the prevention of child abuse in the New Year Honours list.
Tony Hudgell, a double amputee from West Malling, Kent, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).
Ms Hudgell said Tony was “proud and very excited” when he found out he was to be honoured.
“It’s nice as he does not want any other child to suffer like he did,” she said.
“I am very proud of him and it’s a wonderful legacy for him.”
Image source, Getty Images
Tony – who has already met royalty including the Princess of Wales – lost both legs after serious injuries were inflicted by his birth parents
Tony is believed to be the youngest-ever recipient of an honour, a record previously held by fundraiser Tobias Weller, who was 11 when he received a BEM two years ago.
King Charles has also made the Archbishop of Canterbury a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO).
Justin Welby anointed and crowned the King during the ceremony on 6 May at Westminster Abbey.
Awards under the RVO are a gift from the King and bestowed independently of Downing Street to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal way.
Image source, Getty Images
Dickon Love was honoured for services to bell-ringing in Kent and London
Meanwhile, Dickon Love has been appointed MBE for services to bell ringing in Kent and London, while British Transport Police Det Supt Gareth Williams, from Gravesend, has been appointed MBE for services to policing.
Also included on the list are founder of the Hygiene Bank Elizabeth Hall, from Sevenoaks, who has been recognised for services to tackling hygiene poverty and Kent College Canterbury chair of governors Joan Cocking, who has been recognised for services to education.
Explosives officer Michael Kettle has been recognised for services to bomb disposal in Kent.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
