Pub is the Hub founder John Longden gets his OBE from Prince Charles

03-Apr-2014 - Last updated on 04-Apr-2014 at 15:35 GMT

Related tags Charles prince of wales

John Longden received his OBE from Prince Charles. Picture by PA

John Longden, founder of Pub is the Hub, received his OBE at Buckingham Palace today.

Longden was presented with the award by Prince Charles, who launched the scheme in 2001, for his services to "rural communities in the UK".

He said: “I was rather overawed when we walked into Buckingham Palace and through the art galleries – I never seen anything like it. As soon as I knew it would be HRH The Prince of Wales giving out the honours, I felt more relaxed.

Good natter

"As the time came to collect my award, HRH was in great form and congratulated me on Pub is The Hub. He was very encouraging and delighted to hear about how well the Community Services Fund was doing. We had a good old natter.”

Pub is the Hub offers support and guidance to licensees, rural pubs and community services across the country.

Longden attended the ceremony this morning with his wife Lucy and his two daughters, Kate Thomas and Susie Willis.

Afterwards the family went to the Wolsey where a celebratory banana split was prepared for Longden.