An Ipswich-born former world darts champion has spoken of his "pride" after receiving the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in the King's New Year Honours List.
Keith Deller, 64, visited Windsor Castle on Wednesday to receive the MBE from William, the Prince of Wales, in recognition of his services to charities in Suffolk.
He has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities, including £700,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
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The lifelong Ipswich Town fan, still celebrating the Tractor Boys' promotion to the top flight, said: "It was a very proud day for me and my family.
"His Royal Highness Prince William was very nice and was really pleased for what I had done for various charities with £700,000 for Macmillan charity as well as guide dogs for the blind.
"When he first spoke he knew I was a former world champion so that was nice.
"It’s been a special time, with Ipswich reaching the Premier League and for me receiving a fantastic honour."
READ MORE: Suffolk darts legend Keith Deller honoured for charity work
Legendary former England football goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who lives on Mersea Island near Colchester, was also at the castle on Wednesday to receive the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) award.
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The 74-year-old, who holds the England men’s team appearance record with 125 caps between 1970 and 1990, was honoured for his services to football and the prevention of gambling harm.
Shilton beat his gambling addiction in 2015 and has spent the years since campaigning.
He has spoken publicly about his addiction to gambling and credited his wife Steph, an addiction counsellor, with helping him to quit.
Of his visit, he said: “Prince William was quite interested in this (gambling addiction) because it’s like a silent illness and it’s on the increase.
“There are so many gambling companies now and so much advertising that people will get drawn to it.
“It doesn’t just affect the person who’s addicted, it also affects the people around that person.”
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