SOUTHAMPTON'S town crier Jack Hibberd is still on cloud nine after his trip to Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE from the Queen.

Dressed in his colourful town crier uniform, Mr Hibberd, 75, from Hedge End, received his award from the Queen for his services to the community.

He said: "It was a truly wonderful day. The Queen remarked upon my uniform and asked how long I had been Southampton's town crier - and then she shook me by the hand. We really enjoyed the day. We got a taxi to the palace and had to walk in through the front gate with everyone taking photographs of us outside.

"It was magical," he added.

Mr Hibberd went to the palace with his wife Trixie, daughter Carole and son-in-law, Lee.