THE CHAIR of Governors for a North Yorkshire college has been presented with a royal honour.

Vernon Wells from Selby College, was made Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), by Prince Charles at en event at Buckingham Palace earlier this month (Thursday, March 16).

Mr Wells received the honour as part of the Queens New Year’s Honours List, and travelled to the capital with his wife Anne and his two sons, Paul and Marc to collect the award.

He was made MBE in recognition for services to further education, including his voluntary Chair of Governors role at Selby College, seeing its success grow to becoming one of the highest-performing colleges in the country and one of the first to be graded by OFSTED, Outstanding in all areas. Mr Wells is also current chair of the Association of Colleges, Yorkshire and Humber Region.

He said: "I very much appreciate the recognition this award brings. I am passionate about Further Education and have witnessed how it can change people’s lives, helping them strive for better things, increase their life chances and engage in more fulfilling jobs and careers.”

"It has been a real privilege to work alongside such talented students and staff at Selby College; each must take some of the credit of this appointment."

Allan Stewart OBE, Selby College Principal and Chief Executive, said: "He is an outstanding Chair of Governors, who has led the Governing Body of Selby College now for more than 15 years.

"The award recognises Vernon’s passion, drive and determination, supporting the development of the college, the important work it undertakes and all that it achieves on behalf of the local community."