A DEDICATED youth worker, who clocked up nearly half a century of service, has spoken of his shock at being awarded an MBE.

Adrian Killick says he has helped around 20,000 children – including former Colchester United star Steve Foley – during a 47-year stint at youth centres.

The 68-year-old, of Rush Green Road, Clacton, spent more than four decades in a part-time role at Stourdale Youth Centre in Lawford. After that centre closed he moved on to help at Simply The Best, a group in Walton for young people with learning difficulties.

Mr Killick, who also ran clothing shop Best Sellers in Manningtree High Street, retired from the Walton group in March after five years of service.

“I could not believe it when I heard about the MBE,” he said.

“Essex County Council has not said thank you so this has more than made up for it.”

Mr Killick, a former pupil of Manningtree High School, used to run football and table tennis sessions at Stourdale and drive the minibus.

He said while he was in hospital for a hip operation around five years ago, the youth centre had to close because of staff shortages.

He added: “It’s something I really enjoyed.

“I was contracted for three nights a week and I’d do those and want to do more.

“We had instances where children had been abused and it was lovely to know that you’d made a difference in turning their lives around.”

Mr Killick is married to Carol and has three children and four grandchildren. He was awarded an MBE for “services to young people and voluntary service to the community in Walton on the Naze, Essex.”