A FORMER Stourport High School and Kidderminster College student has received his MBE at an Investiture at Buckingham Palace last week.

Stourport born Marcus Hayes, head of award winning law firm Mason Hayes, was awarded his MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this year for services to the law and to education.

His firm is rated amongst the best in the United Kingdom by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK, the independent clients guide to the legal profession.

Having carved out a successful career in the law, Marcus went on to establish the Mason Hayes Charitable Trust in 2009.

For over a decade, the trust has provided financial and personal development support, mentoring and work placement opportunities to those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special needs from primary schools to universities

Marcus remains a frequent visitor to Stourport where he was born and where his mother, former Mayoress of Stourport Mrs Patricia Hayes, lives. He has previously run a series of student workshops at Stourport High School and in 2014 he was invited by the school to be its guest speaker at its annual award ceremony which celebrated and recognised the success and achievement of school students.

He also has worked in partnership with the senior leadership team of Stourport Primary School in raising much needed funds for various literacy initiatives. Over the last few years his Charitable Trust with the help of Mason Hayes’ clients, suppliers and friends of Marcus, has donated to Stourport Primary School in excess of £15,000.

Marcus says he was "truly humbled at receiving the honour."

He said: “Prince William was particularly charming and interested in the work of the Charitable Trust and how it has helped for over a decade, legal students across the United Kingdom fulfil their dreams, aspirations and ambitions in the law.

"It was also a tremendous privilege to have an opportunity to speak to many of the other recipients of awards during the day, that ranged from sportsmen like Geraint Thomas through to outstanding individuals in Government, film and the Armed Services.

"It will definitely be a day I will remember for a long time.”