Health spa founder Dorothy Purdew, of Henlow, was awarded her OBE by Her Majesty The Queen this week.

On Tuesday Mrs Purdew, chair of Champneys Health Resorts, visited Windsor Castle to be presented with her honour for services to the health spa industry and to charity.

And in the evening family and friends gathered at Champneys Henlow for a celebration party in her honour.

Mrs Purdew, 76, told the Chronicle at the party: "It has been a wonderful day and quite overwhelming. Her Majesty was lovely and it was a huge honour for me.

"I never expected to get anything like this, but you never do these things alone. I couldn't have done this without my staff and my family."

Mrs Purdew bought Henlow Grange in 1981 and together with son Stephen they built a chain of resorts, which now includes the famous Champneys brand.

She has used her status to support causes including The Princes Trust, Breast Cancer Care, Tommy's children charity, Cystic Fibrosis and Variety Club.

Tuesday evening's party was attended by family, friends from Henlow and beyond and a sprinkling of celebrities who are regular guests at Champneys Henlow with famous faces including former boxer Frank Bruno and Luton Town football manager Mick Harford.

They were treated to an entertaining speech from Stephen Purdew in which he paid tribute to his mother's incredible achievements.