'My proudest day', says solicitor on collecting MBE

Lisa Haythorne, from Chesterfield, collected her MBE at Windsor Castle

"It was my proudest day", says senior solicitor Lisa Haythorne on collecting her MBE.

Mrs Haythorne, who has worked at Derbyshire Law Centre for 19 years, was appointed MBE for services to vulnerable and homeless people.

As part of her work she advocates for disadvantaged people who need help and are affected by poverty, discrimination and deprivation.

On Wednesday, she received the honour from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle and said she was grateful to the colleagues who nominated her.

Lisa Haythorne, pictured here with her husband and daughter

Mrs Haythorne, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, shared the moment with her husband and three children, who joined her for the ceremony.

She said she was pleased and very happy the work of the Law Centre had been recognised in this way.

"It was such an amazing day," she added. "They make you feel very special."

Along with advising and supporting clients over the years, Mrs Haythorne has acted as the law centre's spokesperson, forming a close network of partners with social welfare charities, community groups, local authorities and social housing landlords.

"We work to keep people in their houses, dealing with eviction notices, rent arrears and applying for grants," the 52-year-old says.

"The need and demand is greater than ever, so we are looking at working with people for longer to prevent homelessness."