A "delighted" adult learning tutor from Chesham has been recognised with a prestigious award at Buckingham Palace by The Princess Royal.

Janet Edmonds, 71, who is a tutor with Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, was recognised for her City & Guilds teaching of the practical skills of embroidery techniques and design.

Each year a number of City of London Livery companies award prizes to people who they feel have excelled in particular fields and Ms Edmonds was among those to be recognised this year.

Her prize was presented to her at Buckingham Palace by the Princess Royal and a representative of the Worshipful Company of Broderers, an organisation formed to promote the art of embroidery, after a reception at the Institute of Directors.

Ms Edmonds said: I was really honoured and delighted by the award and the fact it was presented to me by Royalty. I received a cheque which I will use to buy something special to mark the achievement.”

She added: “I have inspired many people to take up stitching. I have shown them that they can achieve and that they are creative by boosting their confidence and having a go even if they thought they couldn't do it. I have encouraged them to believe in themselves and that it is a skill worth having. Some have gone on to teach too or to take higher-level courses.”

She added she was indebted to her students for the glowing testimonials given to her and for the Adult Learning staff who nominated her.

Janet, who has been teaching embroidery and embroidery design for over 25 years, was also this year awarded a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence for Teaching Stitched Textiles, and was also recognised for a further award recently by Buckinghamshire Adult Learning at its Festival of Learning ceremony.

Cllr Zahir Mohammed, cabinet member for education and skills at Bucks County Council, said: “Janet thoroughly deserved this award for her years of dedication to teaching embroidery, and I am delighted she had the chance to meet Royalty. She is living proof of the fact that Adult Learning in Buckinghamshire provides quality, expert tuition to its students.”

For more information on courses run by Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, visit www.adultlearningbcc.ac.uk or phone 01296 382403.