Journalist Wendy Brading made an MBE in Honours list

Wendy Brading, 59, has been recognised for services to journalism following a career spanning four decades.

She joined Essex County Newspapers - later to become Newsquest Essex - in 1986 rising to the role of Deputy Head of News.

In 2013, she won the EDF Energy East of England award for Community Campaign of the Year for her work on Cassie's Law and the campaign also won special recognition at the Society of Editors awards.

It was launched following the death of teenager Cassie McCord.

Cassie was standing on the pavement in Head Street, Colchester, when a car, driven by pensioner Colin Horsfall, drove into her.

Three days earlier, police had appealed to Mr Horsfall, 87, to surrender his driving licence after he drove the wrong way into a petrol station and failed an eyesight test.

He refused and the police had to apply to the DVLA to rescind his licence. However, in the meantime, he drove again and killed Cassie, 16.

The campaign, led by Cassie's mother, Jackie, sought a change in the law to allow police officers to temporarily seize a driver's licence when they were considered unfit to drive.

A petition of 46,000 names was presented to the Government which agreed to implement Cassie's Law.

Honour - Wendy said she is humbled after being named on the King's Birthday Honours list (Image: Steve Brading)

Mum-of-two Wendy, who is married to award-winning photographer, Steve, said: "I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list.

"I first entered a newsroom on work experience at the age of 14 and retired as a journalist 45 years later.

"I have always believed journalism is a force for good.

“It is a cornerstone of democracy and is vital for holding authority to account, exposing wrongdoing, celebrating achievement and giving a voice to those who would not otherwise be heard.

“Without journalists, corruption thrives, and truth is lost."

Wendy explained how she always knew she wanted to become a journalist, having a “desire to make a difference”.

She said she was astonished and flattered when finding out about the honour, adding it was a "real privilege". 

She added: "During my career I have been privileged to meet some extraordinary people who have trusted me to tell their stories.

"I have reported on everything from Old Bailey trials and appeals at the High Court to prison interviews with convicted killer Jeremy Bamber as well as elections, royal visits and everything in between.

"I have also been privileged to be involved in a number of campaigns including the introduction of Cassie's Law which is credited with saving hundreds of lives.

Campaigner - Wendy Brading pictured with Sir Bob Russell and Jackie McCord heading to present the Cassie's Law petition to the Government in Westminster (Image: Public)

"I was involved in the £3.25 million Cancer Centre Campaign to create the new cancer unit at Colchester Hospital as well as two successful battles to save the former Alderman Blaxill School in Colchester from closure and helped in the campaign to secure funding for the new Market Field School in Elmstead Market.

"I worked with the military charity Help for Heroes on the £100,000 campaign to create the Hope on the Horizon garden at Chavasse VC House, Colchester, for recovering servicemen and women and led the 100,000 Smiles campaign to create a £100,000 play area for children with severe learning difficulties.

"Over the years, I have worked with a number of incredibly talented and dedicated journalists, and I will be forever grateful for their support and friendship.

"I feel utterly humbled to be made an MBE. The plaudits should go to those courageous journalists who risk their lives to show the world what is going on in war zones such as Ukraine and the Middle East.

“However, as a local paper journalist, I hope I have served my community with integrity and hope I have made a difference."