A FORMER teacher who is credited for getting hundreds of young people involved in sport has picked up an MBE from Prince Charles.

Carlton Darrell has been teaching badminton to schoolchildren across Thurrock for more than 40 years.

The 71-year-old, of Kersbrooke Way, Corringham, helped start up Thurrock Junior Badminton Club back in 1971 and is still president of the club today.

Carlton, who is originally from Bermuda, travelled to Buckingham Palace with his wife Jean to collect his MBE for services to the community.

It was Carlton and Jean’s second visit to the Palace this year having also attended the Queen’s Royal Garden Party in June.

He said: “I am thrilled to have been made an MBE for service to the community. It’s a dream come true really.

“Unfortunately I can’t play badminton anymore as I have angina, but I still go to the club on a weekly basis to say hi to everyone and just to be around really.”

Even though Carlton, who came to Britain in 1960, has dedicated his life to badminton and teaching he has still found time to become involved with other local organisations in the borough.

He has been treasurer and a committee member of TRUST and helped form Thurrock Tigers FC of which he is still president, as well as being involved in many charity organisations.

These days Carlton can be found enjoying his days on the golf course at Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club where he is currently senior captain.

Before his retirement he was deputy head of Woodside School in Grays before becoming headteacher at Chadwell Primary School.