A charity chairman was one of Hertfordshire’s heroes in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

NSPCC chairman Mark Wood, who has lived in the Watford area since 2009, was awarded a CBE by the Queen for his services to children and young people, having served as chairman since 2010.

Mr Wood began his career as a chartered accountant and has held several senior position in global finance organisations, meanwhile a long-term supporter of the charity.

Since then he has overseen the charity’s strategy, setting five goals to make five million children safer in five years to 2021.

He said of the award: “This honour is truly a reflection of the importance that is placed on the NSPCC’s mission to fight for every childhood.

“Thankfully today there is much greater awareness of child abuse and more people feel able to speak out.”

He also said their mission is “more important than ever” as online abuse is a growing threat to young people.