A BUSINESS owner who was named in the New Year Honours 2022 list has received his MBE from the Princess Royal.

Tim Williams, who set up Bon designer wear at 104 Prestatyn High Street in the 70s, was recognised for his services to business and the community in Prestatyn and praised for creating the town's Classic Car Show.

He travelled to London to get his MBE formally from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle earlier in November.

Mr Williams, who is married to Ann and has sons Peter and Chris, described the day as a "fantastic experience".

He said: "We [Ann, Peter and Chris] went down the night before and stayed in Windsor and had a pre-celebration meal. We were joined by my granddaughter Ellisha and her partner Arron, who both live in London.

"My investiture was in the afternoon, which gave plenty of time for the excitement to build, which it did as we drove up the Long Walk to the gates of Windsor Castle. After going through strict security, we were allowed through the gates and into the Castle grounds, passing the Kings Guards resplendent in their bearskin helmets

"We had never been into the castle before, and it was a true royal occasion. We were received into the Commonwealth Room and given plenty of time to look at gifts received by the monarchy, set out in their various countries.

"As we moved through various rooms, the general atmosphere was of gentle excitement," Mr Williams added.

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"We were entertained by the variety of people gaining awards from all walks of life. Many were Olympians and Para Olympians with Adam Hills the presenter of 'The Last leg' for services to Paralympic Sport and Disability Awareness and also the family of the late Jimmy Greaves."

Mr Williams was briefed before meeting the Princess Royal.

"I was determined to enjoy the experience," Mr Williams said.

"When my turn came, she made me feel completely at ease and congratulated me on receiving the award. I told her about our town of Prestatyn and was surprised when she mentioned the Classic Car Show.

"I look back on the day with extreme pleasure and memories that will last with both myself and my family for a lifetime."

When the New Year Honours were published, Mr Williams was praised for "utilising every opportunity to showcase Prestatyn High Street for the good of the independent traders and the town as a whole."

In 2018, Mr Williams's relocated Bon designer wear to a bigger premise, further up the street to 121. Sadly the physical store closed earlier this year but the online shop remains active.

Prestatyn Classic Car Show was started 20 years ago by Mr Williams. The event, which also allows charities to showcase their work and collects donations for charities, is the largest free car show in North Wales and attracts thousands of attendees annually.

Mr Williams added: "Both my wife [Ann was awarded the BEM - British Empire Medal - for her services to charity and the community in 2015] and I would never have received our awards without the help and support of many people who helped us with our vision of promoting Prestatyn with our events the Prestatyn Flower Show and the Prestatyn Classic Car show."