David Reeve with Prince Charles at the Sandringham Flower Show. Picture: Matthew Usher

A former Royal protection officer is to be made an MBE for services to the community in West Norfolk.

David Reeve, 65, has given around 400 talks to various groups and charities throughout Norfolk and Cambridgeshire in his spare time and since retiring from the police service.

The Dersingham resident was also a founder member and chairman of the first Victim Support Scheme in Norfolk in 1982.

The 65-year-old is currently vice chairman of the professional standards and human resources committee for the Norfolk Police Authority and chairman of the Sandringham Flower Show committee.

Speaking last night, he said: “It was something that came out of the blue. You just don’t expect it.

“I was in the garden when I opened the letter and I just couldn’t believe it - it completely knocked me for six.

“But I am deeply honoured to finish off my career with that kind of acknowledgment. It’s the icing on the cake.”

He added: “After retiring from the force, it was nice to have the opportunity to do some work for charities and give talks about my time in the force. It has enabled me to give something back to the community.”