PRINCE Charles presented the business manager of an Egremont academy with an MBE during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Stephen Lester, who works at West Lakes Academy, was honoured for his services to education.

He rubbed shoulders with sports stars and celebrities, including heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, TV presenter Monty Don and soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, at the palace.

"It was great, so special," said Mr Lester, from Eskdale. "The palace was lovely, they had the Christmas decorations up.

"Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, they made you feel very special.

"It was nice to chat with other recipients, there were people from all backgrounds.

"Prince Charles was lovely, he was so genuine."

Mr Lester, 60, who was joined by his wife Pip, son James and his partner Debbie at the ceremony, decided to change his career 11 years ago while working as a managing director in the manufacturing sector.

He worked as business manager in two other schools before taking up the post at the Egremont school three years ago.

When he found out about the award in June, he said: "I love my role. It is a great time for education as it's all about the children – they're the reason why I work in schools.

"West Lakes Academy is a school that was struggling and was turned around and the chance to be involved in that is rewarding."

Mr Lester is also a member of the Education Funding Agency Academies Finance and Assurance Steering Group as well as the chairman of one of three sub groups under the the steering group.