A SOLDIER from Worcestershire who left school without a qualification to his name has collected his MBE from the Queen.

Major Tom Smith said it was “one of the proudest days of my life” when he picked up the award he was given in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for setting up a new army regiment.

The father-of-four, who is currently on leave from serving with the Royal Signals in Sierra Leone, said the presentation took place at Buckingham Palace last Friday.

“We got a taxi to the palace, went in and there I was presented to the Queen,” said the 45-year-old former Chase High School pupil who grew up in Oak Crescent, Malvern.

“She just asked where I was serving now and about 22 Signal Regiment.

“She shook my hand, I bowed and moved off to the right.

“It was an experience and one of the proudest days of my life.”

Major Smith, a die-hard Worcester Warriors fan who now lives in Yorkshire, said his family were “over the moon” with what he had achieved in forming 22 Signal Regiment after 18 months hard work.