A LONG-SERVING councillor known as “Mr Canvey” admits one of his life’s greatest honours was receiving an MBE for his services to the island.

Ray Howard was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honour list, and received his MBE from Prince Charles on Thursday at Buckingham Palace.

After stepping down from Essex County Council in May, having served since 1985, he was recognised for his services to local government and the community on Canvey.

The 75-year-old Conservative politician first became a councillor for Canvey’s west ward in 1968, and has served consistently as a member of Canvey District Council and Castle Point Council. He said: “To meet Prince Charles truly was fabulous. It was an honour to be in his presence, and he was very kind to me. I reminded him of when he came to Canvey Island to open the youth centre, and he asked me so many questions.

“In all honesty, I think he spent a little bit of extra time talking to me than the others, which is a real privilege. He asked me a number of questions, included how had I been involved for so long, if I was fully retired now and was pretty shocked to hear I was still representing Castle Point. It really was the most memorable of days, and one which I will treasure.”

Mr Howard has campaigned for many years on flood and waste matters, and was one of five people to have helped bring the current seawall to Canvey to protect it from tidal flooding. He was the first person invited to meet Princess Margaret in 1983 when she came to the Canvey to officially open the new wall and barrier, another memory the stalwart cherishes.

Born and bred on the island, Mr Howard survived two major tragedies before his 11th birthday, which he admits may explain his attachment to Canvey.

Born in 1942, the Howard family were dealt a shattering blow just two years later when their family home was hit by a doodlebug, killing two of Ray’s brothers, while in 1953 he survived the great floods of Canvey which wreaked havoc.

Castle Point MP, Rebecca Harris, invited Mr Howard and his family for a tour of the House of Commons before he received his MBE. He said: “It really does mean a lot to me that my children could be there and witness this and I have to say a huge thank you to Rebecca for accommodating us.I am always asked how I have managed so long, but it has been a joy.