The chairman of the NSPCC has received his CBE award from Queen Elizabeth II after being recognised for his services to children and young people.

Mark Wood, who lives in Watford, has set a number of ambitious goals since assuming his role at the charity in 2010.

This includes providing greater protection to children, especially online, and providing the necessary support to those who have suffered abuse.

He was welcomed to Windsor Castle earlier this month, where he was officially made CBE having been mentioned in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Mark said: “Receiving an honour from the Queen in recognition of the extraordinary work of everyone at the NSPCC is humbling and a reminder of the importance of our contribution to society.

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

“Yet too many children still suffer from the trauma of abuse which can cast a shadow over their whole lives, and with online abuse also posing a growing threat to our young people our mission is more important and vital than ever.”