THE head teacher of a Newport school has been presented with her MBE in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
For over 35 years, Barbara O'Rourke (pictured) has taught at Monnow Infants School, Bettws, becoming head teacher in 1986.
The 57-year-old has been dubbed 'the mother of Bettws' by friends and colleagues, after teaching most of the parents of her current crop of pupils.
Earlier this year, she was honoured for her services to education by being awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list.
And last week, Mrs O'Rourke visited Buckingham Palace to be presented with her award by Prince Charles.
She said: "It was the proudest and most memorable moment of my career. "We had a lovely day, and were really well looked after. Prince Charles was very nice. He came across as very genuine and took time to speak to everyone.
"He asked me about our school inspections, and when I said we have had two good ones, he joked 'that is why you are probably here then'."
And there was a further honour back home for Mrs O'Rourke, as she was presented with a unique memento by staff and chairman of governors, Councillor Noel Trigg. Councillor Trigg presented her with a medal proclaiming Mrs O'Rourke as a Member of the Bettws Empire.
"It was something we always joked about," said Councillor Trigg. Mrs O'Rourke added: "In many ways that meant as much to me as receiving the honour at the Palace."
Mrs O'Rourke first started teaching at Monnow in 1966, and prides herself on the school's friendly ethos.
She said: "I always feel that we are teaching the children skills for life. The ethos and discipline will always come first and second, and then we can concentrate on the curriculum."
Councillor Trigg, who proposed Mrs O'Rourke for the honour 18 months ago, said: "It is a very well deserved honour, she is a very special person. People call her the 'mother of Bettws' because of all the people who have come through the school. When she walks around all the children come running up and put their arms around her."
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