A ‘charming’ Duke of Cambridge has presented an MBE to a local chair of school governors who is determined that children receive a “high quality education”.

Former head teacher Linda Crawley, the lead proposer, founder and current chair of governors for Alban City School, Hatfield Road, was recognised for her services to education during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle recently.

She was among 60 award recipients attending the investiture, including St Albans entrepreneur Zoe Jackson.

After the event, Linda told the Herts Advertiser that Prince William was “absolutely charming”.

She added: “I was nervous about going, but everyone there was superb, and very reassuring.

“My first thought upon meeting Prince William was ‘Wow! He’s really tall. He was absolutely charming, and so smiley.

“Prince William kept asking questions; he asked a lot of questions about Alban City School - how it was set up - and seemed genuinely interested.”

Linda said she was pleased to receive the accolade, “for something I enjoy and I am passionate about. This award is not just for me but for the teams I have been fortunate enough to work with.

“I continue to be excited about ensuring every child receives a high quality and well-rounded education.”

She was head teacher at Aboyne Lodge School until she retired in 2009. Linda then went on to lead a team of educationalists and local residents to propose Alban City School, which opened in 2012, providing much needed additional primary school places in the centre of the city.

The school quickly established itself in the educational and local community by achieving good with outstanding features in its first Ofsted inspection.

It was awarded Primary School of the Year in 2014 and remains a popular choice for local parents.

This year the original cohort of children from 2012 started Key Stage 2 and there are now 240 children on the roll. Once full, there will be 420 children attending.