THE leader of the local stables who fought a high-profile battle to stay in the town has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Years honours.

Natalie O'Rourke, proprietor of Park Lane Stables Riding for the Disabled (RDA), was given the honour for services to People with Disabilities and to the community in Teddington.

She is one of just 1,278 people across the UK to receive an honour and will accept it in an investiture ceremony from a member of the Royal family.

Natalie told Teddington Nub News she "couldn't believe it" when she received the letter, and her first thought was that it was a practical joke.

She said the award represented the culmination of the stables' many years of work in Teddington and bringing horses into people's lives - and not just the high-profile fundraising campaign of the past year.

The former Birmingham resident also paid tribute to the "invisible army" of volunteers and helpers behind Park Lane Stables - and to the people in Teddington who were so welcoming to her when she arrived 13 years ago.

And she told Teddington Nub News why the award is extra special to her.

"My dad is really really proud and happy," she said.

"When I got the award I thought 'this is for my dad.' He gave up his career to bring me up because my mum died."

When she receives her award, Natalie will be taking her dad with her as her plus one.

The mother-of-two who lives in Hampton Hill has managed Park Lane Stables and led its RDA provision for the past 13 years.

Her contribution to Teddington life was brought into the spotlight this year after the organisation faced eviction from its stables on Park Lane.

A fundraising campaign to buy the stables caught the attention of the nation and more than £1 million was raised - only for negotiations to fall through, forcing the charity to move to Manor Farm in Ham.

Happily, Park Lane Stables became the proud owners of their Teddington home this month and will be moving in back properly in Spring 2022.

Responding to the news, broadcaster Nick Luck, a prominent supporter of the Park Lane Stables campaign, said: "I couldn't be more delighted that Natalie's work has been recognized in this way.

"Her wholehearted campaign to save Park Lane stables resonated with so many here in the Teddington community and way beyond.

"This has been a long journey, with many obstacles and some sharp turns in the road, but Natalie's tenacity and optimism have shone through always.

"This is a richly deserved honour for Natalie, but also an appreciation of the importance of Riding for the Disabled and the ability to introduce so many children and adults across London to a wonderfully enriching way of life."