LONG-serving firefighter Chris Parsons had a bit of a wait before being presented with his MBE by the Queen, after the Lord Chamberlain fainted before his eyes.

The sub-officer for Pershore Fire Station, with 42 years service under his belt, had just been overawed by Her Majesty's engaging smile, when behind her the high ranking official swooned out of sight.

Mr Parsons said: "So many paramedics, doctors and nurses swooped to his side, I was amazed.

"The Queen just turned around, said: 'Is everything alright,' they said 'yes mam' and she turned back and continued as if nothing had happened. They carried him out on a stretcher and afterwards I received a letter from The Lord Chamberlain apologising for the distraction."

Mr Parsons, who is also Pershore mayor, was accompanied at the Palace on October 12 by his wife, Jan, and children Michelle and Stephen.

He received his MBE for services to Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade and the local community.

Mr Parsons said: "I have a great team and without their support and a very understanding wife I could never have achieved the award. The day will go down as one of the most memorable in my life. I felt apprehensive before meeting the Queen but as soon as she smiled it was like a great barrier coming down.

"I have never regarded myself as a Royalist, but I now understand how important the Royal family is. The whole ceremony was conducted with military precision and all the palace staff were very friendly and courteous."

The palace press office confirmed that the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Luce, fully recovered the same day from what they described as 'a faint.'