A woman who has run a day care centre in Sprowston for 30 years has been made an MBE – five years after her husband posted a recorded delivery letter to the Queen saying she deserved it.

Frank Wynn, 76, wrote to the Queen in 2008 but kept it secret from his wife of 40 years, Margaret Wynn, who last week received the award insignia from the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.

Every day he had to keep a close eye on their letterbox and front doormat and it was only when a special envelope arrived at their home in Drayton, stating his wife had been made an MBE in the New Year's Honours List, that he could tell her,

'I was so pleased to get that worry off my chest,' he said.

Mrs Wynn, 73, who was recognised for her work running the centre and luncheon club at St Cuthberts, said: 'It has been very tough sometimes trying to keep the day care centre open three days a week and often been quite a struggle but we survived – my team have been absolutely marvellous. It is the team and volunteers who deserve all the recognition, not me.'

Her husband said: 'I wanted Margaret to have some sort of recognition for all her efforts, so I made some inquiries and sent a handwritten letter to the Queen – recorded delivery of course – and waited.

'It was wonderful to see my wife rewarded for all the years she has spent helping others. She always puts other people first – even though she has had two strokes and two operations for cancer.'

Mr Wynn also kept his exploits a secret from their son, Christopher, who lives in the USA, but he joined them last Wednesday at Buckingham Palace.

Have you got a story about the Royal Family? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk