Pioneer teacher Robyn Dalby-Stockwell received an MBE, for services to children, from the Queen at an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

Ms Dalby-Stockwell of Wilburton pioneered synthetic phonics as a fast and easy way of teaching children to read. Despite opposition she has spent over 50 years teaching those who suffered the results of fashionable but inferior teaching methods.

Her success is legendary and she has guided generations of children from illiteracy to university success. She says no effort is too great to support children in need of help, and Robyn is determined to carry on teaching for as long as she is able.

She said: ‘’I was delighted to receive my honour from the Queen in such magnificent surroundings. It was a day I dedicate to my children, and one which I will never forget.’’

Ms Dalby-Stockwell is a writer, teacher, grandmother and director of Alonah Reading Cambridge that helps struggling readers achieve literacy with books, reading plans and one to one tuition.

She has also written a number of poetry books including ‘Gnomes Pomes’ and ‘Pesky Poetry.’