An octogenarian has received her MBE from the Queen for her services to charity.

Christina Kitchen, 83, was awarded the honour for collecting money over a period of 47 years and serving in Oxfam shops in Epsom and Leatherhead.

Recipients of the honour are usually allowed to take two guests to the ceremony, but Mrs Kitchen wrote and asked for permission to take her four sons, and her request was granted by the Queen.

Mrs Kitchen went with her sons to Windsor Castle to collect the award earlier this month.

She said: "I was delighted that my four sons were able to attend the ceremony and witness their mother receive this honour from Her Majesty the Queen".

The pensioner was a Biology teacher at Rosebery School and a member of the Bahá’í Faith in Epsom and Ewell, since 1978.

The Bahá’is believe in the importance of integrating with the local community through charitable work.