A VETERAN seaman has picked up his MBE from Buckingham Palace.

Captain Rod Shaw, 66, was presented with the accolade by Prince Charles.

He received the award for services to maritime safety in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Captain Shaw played a key role on the organisation of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pageant on the River Thames two years ago.

He is now about to retire after 13 years as a government adviser.

Capt Shaw has also been a member of Harwich RNLI for more than 35 years and is honorary lifeboat operations manager.

Capt Shaw, who still lives in Harwich, said: “I feel it is a fitting conclusion to my maritime career."