Campaigning journalist 'humbled' to receive MBE

Wendy Brading interviewed both politicians and killers alike during her 37-year career in journalism

A campaigning journalist said she was "honoured and humbled" to have been named in the King's Birthday Honours list.

Wendy Brading, from Ramsey near Harwich, Essex, was recognised for services to journalism following a career spanning four decades.

She joined Essex County Newspapers - later to become Newsquest Essex - in 1986 and rose to become deputy head of news.

"As a local paper journalist, I hope I have served my community with integrity and hope I have made a difference," Mrs Brading said.

She was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Honours List, published on Friday.

The mother-of-two worked for the Colchester Daily Gazette for 37 years, having started her career at the weekly title, the Braintree and Witham Times.

Mrs Brading presented a petition of 46,000 names to the government alongside then Lib Dem MP, Sir Bob Russell, and Jackie McCord, the mother of Cassie

"I have always believed journalism is a force for good," said Mrs Brading, who retired from the newspaper industry in July 2023.

"It is a cornerstone of democracy and is vital for holding authority to account, exposing wrongdoing, celebrating achievement and giving a voice to those who would not otherwise be heard."

Mrs Brading helped to change the law following the death of teenager Cassie McCord who was struck by a car while standing on the pavement in Colchester in 2011.

Three days earlier, the driver, Colin Horsfall, 87, had refused to hand over his driving licence after he drove the wrong way into a petrol station and failed an eyesight test.

Mrs Brading presented a petition of 46,000 names to the government which later agreed to implement Cassie's Law - allowing police officers to temporarily seize a driver's licence when they were considered unfit to drive.

She was awarded for her efforts in 2013 and also won special recognition at the Society of Editors Awards.

'Forever grateful'

Other initiatives the journalist spearheaded included a £3.25m campaign to create a new cancer unit at Colchester Hospital.

She also successfully battled to secure funding for the new Market Field special school in Elmstead Market.

Mrs Brading, who is married to award-winning photographer Steve, said she had told the stories of "extraordinary people" during her career.

"I have reported on everything from Old Bailey trials and appeals at the High Court, to prison interviews with convicted killer Jeremy Bamber," she added.

"I have worked with a number of incredibly talented and dedicated journalists and I will be forever grateful for their support and friendship."