PRINCE Charles has presented the MBE to a West College Scotland official who helps students in Greenock with additional needs.

George Smith, 55, is enabling services manager at the college and has worked tirelessly over more than 20 years to make life easier for hundreds of young people, including those with sight or hearing difficulties.

His work was recognised at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace, attended by his wife and five children.

George, whose wife, Pauline, is a teacher at St Mary’s Primary School in Greenock, said: “It was very emotional when I saw my kids in the front row, an arm’s length away from Prince Charles, as I was walking to meet him. 

“I could tell they were overwhelmed with pride as the Prince pinned the insignia on to my lapel.

“It was all very touching.”

George said he enjoyed his chat with the Prince, who knew exactly why he was being honoured. 

He said: “He said he knew Greenock, Paisley and Clydebank, and asked me if we were making a difference for the type of kids I work with.

“I told him that I think we are, otherwise I wouldn’t have been at the palace. He laughed, and told me to keep up the good fight.

“It was an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

“The palace is amazing, it’s a phenomenal place to be.

“The staff treat you with a lot of respect and they’re genuinely interested to know about what you have achieved.”

Modest George insisted his MBE does not recognise his individual achievements, but those of all the college staff who work with him.

He said his children are extremely proud, and have already taken his medal to their schools to show their friends and teachers, and tell them about their “amazing day out” at Buckingham Palace.

A college spokesperson said: “The college is tremendously proud of George.

“He and his team work with students with additional needs, and strive every day to make their future brighter.

“Receiving an MBE comes as a well-deserved recognition of George’s tireless efforts over many years to make life that bit easier for hundreds of young people.”