A charity founder from Farnham has been invested as a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace by her “new buddy Will”, the Prince of Wales.

Sue Owen-Weaver was made MBE in the 2021 New Year Honours List for voluntary service to disadvantaged young people – but had to wait until October 13 to receive her award.

It came 12 years after she set up charity Change of Scene on her small-holding south of Farnham, going on to transform more than 100 young lives with her unique brand of farmyard therapy before retiring in 2020.

On her MBE, Sue said: “It would never have happened without the unwavering support of the incredible team of like-minded generous people who helped create, fund and run the show.

“Out of a crazy hare-brained idea back in something like 2007, Change of Scene materialised into something which, heart-warmingly, still continues to be of immense benefit to some of the most needy local youngsters.

“The MBE is a team award for all those selfless, generous people without whose friendship and support I’d never have met my new buddy ‘Will’.”

Change of Scene (changeofscene.org.uk) typically welcomes around 16 children a week, nurturing their hidden skills and sense of purpose through plants and animals.