TWO hard-working and selfless people from south Essex have been made MBEs at Buckingham Palace.

Debra Ballard is recognised for her work with homeless people in Southend and Peter Davies for his services to education.

Mr Davies, 70, from Westcliff, has been given the accolade for his lifetime achievements in education.

He has been a community governor at Kingsdown School, in Southend since 2005, and chairman of governors from 2009 to 2016.

Proud wife, Sally, said: “It has been absolutely brilliant, he was delighted to be awarded the honour. He was presented with it by the Duke of Cambridge who asked about his service to education.

“It was a brilliant day and the Palace is wonderful. I got an OBE two years ago so this was another visit to the Palace and it was really wonderful.

Margaret Rimmer, the headteacher of Kingsdown School, said the award was well-deserved.

She said: “I have known Peter since 2006 and he has given over and above of what is expected.

“Even though he hasn’t been well, he kept on doing a sterling job for the school. The school had issues – it had a change of designation – and he really supported it.

“He has always been supportive towards the school, even in difficult times. We are a good school with outstanding aspects and Peter has very much been part of that. When we changed the designation of the school, Peter was a great support in projects like a new swimming pool, outdoor facilities and soft play room. He has been at the helm of many projects. He has given his time, energy and effort to support schools.”

Mr Davies, who is a qualified teacher and was headteacher at a school for 20 years, has also previously been a governor at five other schools and an adult college.

Mrs Ballard, from Rochford, is an executive officer at the Department of Work and Pensions and was made an MBE for her work with homeless people in Southend.

Working with Job Centre Plus and Southend’s homeless charity Harp they all help service users work towards targets.

Gary Turner, Harp’s service operations manager, said: “Debra Ballard’s incredible work and support has helped countless local homeless people turn their lives around.

“Debra’s regular liaison with our staff and her dedication to helping the vulnerable people of Southend is hugely valued by us at Harp. We look forward to continuing to work alongside her to help more people get themselves back on their feet and off the streets.

“We would like to congratulate Debra for receiving a much deserved MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.”