A dedicated learning support assistant who devoted her working life to helping children with autism said she was “dumbstruck” to learn she had been named in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

Lynne Pullinger, 66, retired from her most recent post at Burford School, Marlow Bottom in July, and was rewarded with a bumper retirement present in the form of a British Empire Medal.

The honour was given for services to education, with the Amersham resident dedicating her time to making a breakthrough with children suffering from the condition.

After unexpectedly receiving the good news, Lynne said she is looking forward to standing on the other side of the fence at a special garden party at Buckingham Palace this summer.

Lynne said: “I had no idea, other than when the letter came through. When I heard, I was dumbstruck. I’m delighted, but still staggered.

“I loved my work, it was no chore at all. I love to see the children’s happy faces and to see them achieve. 

“I went as a tourist [to Buckingham Palace] a couple of years ago and have seen the garden, but I’ve never been invited to anything like that before.”

Lynne has worked in a number of schools, including Princes Risborough Primary School, working with children on both a one-to-one and group basis.

She said throughout her work, she tried to inject a sense of humour and connect with autistic youngsters by making them laugh.

Lynne stepped down in July after nine years at Burford School, which has a strong track record of helping children with special educational needs.

And praising the support which has allowed her to carry out her work so effectively, she said she takes great joy in tracking her former pupils’ progress.

She said: “I’m grateful to a number of people who supported me, I still meet up with a couple of the parents of children I used to support and it’s great to see how they’re getting on.

“They’re doing really well, in their own ways. All the children are different and you support them and tackle their issues in slightly different ways.

“Burford School was a very caring and supportive environment and Karol Whittington is a very supportive head teacher.”