JULIE Carter, founder of Scalliwags Pre-school and Tip Toe Stage School in South Ockendon, has been awarded an MBE in The King's Birthday Honours in recognition of her outstanding services to early years education and the performing arts.

For more than 40 years, Julie has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for children, young people and adults of all ages through both education and performance.

Through her work at Scalliwags Pre-school and Tip Toe Stage School, she has helped countless people build confidence, develop skills and access experiences they may otherwise never have had the chance to enjoy.

Based in South Ockendon, both organisations have become valued parts of the local community. Julie's dedication, passion and unwavering commitment have made a lasting difference, opening doors for generations of people and helping them grow in confidence, creativity and ambition.

Julie said: "I feel incredibly grateful, appreciative and genuinely surprised to receive this honour.

"It means so much to have my work recognised in this way. Supporting children, young people and adults in our community, and giving them opportunities they may not otherwise have been exposed to, has always been at the heart of everything I do.

"I'm so proud of what we have built through Scalliwags and Tip Toe, and I share this recognition with everyone who has been part of that journey."

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For more information on Scalliwags and Tip Toe visit www.scalliwagspreschool.com and www.tiptoestageschool.com.

It's the second honour for Julie in quick succession, Tip Toe Stage School was recently awarded a place on the Thurrock Mayor's Roll of Honour - a second time Julie has featured on it as she received an individual nomination in 2022.

Julie receives a Mayor's honour from James Halden in 2022.

Tip Toe also recently celebrated 40 years in the borough with an anniversary show.