PETER Turner, 79, has been awarded an MBE for his contributions to charity.

He has volunteered with the Parkinson’s Disease Society in Banbury for more than 35 years.

The grandfather-of-four, from Middleton Cheney, said: “It was very surprising.

“I never expected to get an MBE for the work I do, it’s not something you think would happen.”

Mr Turner currently volunteers as the welfare officer and trip organiser for the charity, which was recently renamed Parkinson’s UK.

It offers support to people with the disease, and funds research to try to find a cure.

Mr Turner said: “I have volunteered with the charity for decades.

“My wife, Dorothy, suffered with Parkinson’s for 36 years, so it was something I wanted to do.”

Mrs Turner died four years ago on Boxing Day, leaving Mr Turner with his two daughters, Deborah and Karen, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He said: “I’m not sure how many people I’m allowed to take to the Palace, but I’m sure my daughters will want to come along.

“I’ve already met Princess Anne and the Duchess of Gloucester.”

He added: “But my real reward is to see the people who have Parkinson’s on holiday enjoying themselves.

“I took 44 of them to Eastbourne recently. That’s my reward right there.”