A LABOUR activist has received an MBE for nearly 50 years of political campaigning.
Eileen Davidson was appointed MBE by Prince Charles last Friday in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace for her tireless work in Kelvedon and Feering.
She has been a member of the Labour Party since the age of 14, helping with elections, leafleting and fundraising.
Ms Davidson, who lives in London Road, Feering, first found out she would receive an MBE when she was named on the Queen's Birthday Honours list in June.
For more than 20 years she has worked with the Eastern Region Labour Party and for the past seven years she has also chaired the Regional Labour Party in the East of England.
She is also the women's officer for both Braintree and Witham Labour Parties.
Eileen, who moved to Essex from Scotland 28 years ago, almost got in trouble with the Buckingham Palace organisers after chatting to Prince Charles for too long.
"He's told why we've got the award and a bit about us and when he saw I was from Dumfries he was telling me all about Dumfries House, which he effectively saved," said the 61 year-old.
"We were told to walk off as soon as he shook our hand, but he was talking to me a bit longer.
"I was a bit nervous, but it was great to meet Prince Charles as well as some of the other people getting awards, who had interesting stories to tell."
Eileen was joined by her brother who came down from Scotland to be there and her partner Peter Long, who is the Witham Labour Party election agent.
"Hopefully this award will encourage people to think that being involved in politics is a worthwhile voluntary activity.
"At a time when politics has a bad name, it's good to show that it can be positive and people can make a difference if they take part, I especially hope it encourages women to get involved."
