A POPULAR schoolteacher at Alva Academy has received an MBE for outstanding contributions to charity.

David Clifford, who serves as music, art, PE and dance faculty head with the school, was nominated for the top award in January as part of the King’s New Year Honours.

This was due to the role he has played overseeing numerous charitable ventures within the school, raising countless funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Parkinson’s UK among others.

David travelled to Holyrood House on Tuesday, July 2 for an audience with the King and to receive his MBE.

David received an audience with the King as he received his MBE.David received an audience with the King as he received his MBE. (Image: David Clifford)

Now, with the schools back in session, he has thanked his pupils and colleagues for helping make this all possible.

“It was a very surreal day,” David said. “I was extremely proud and privileged to receive an MBE from none other than the King during the summer holidays for contributions to charity across Clackmannanshire.

“I could bring three guests so it was a no brainer – I had my wife Kirsty, she undertakes a lot of what we were recognised for with me.

“My mum and dad were with me as well who have been my biggest supporters throughout everything we do.

“They have helped instil the values in me to do as much as I can for others.

“This really is recognition for the school, pupils, teachers, families and community who support our incredible efforts.”

As part of David’s nomination, he was recognised for his services towards charitable causes in the Wee County.

He has raised more than £500,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in the last 14 years, while also leading a choir for those with Parkinson’s.

Alongside sixth year pupils, he launched the Classroom to Care Homes initiative, which saw the school record music videos to send to supervised living facilities across the UK.

He has also helped carry out fundraisers and events to raise awareness for the holocaust, heart problems in the young and the Royal British Legion.

He was granted an audience with King Charles himself, who congratulated the teacher for his work and presented him with his MBE.

David was joined at the ceremony by his mum, dad and wife Kirsty.David was joined at the ceremony by his mum, dad and wife Kirsty. (Image: David Clifford)

David went on: “Nobody knew which member of the Royal Family would be presenting the honours to us.

“The helicopter came down and the King walked out which was a big surprise and shock to everybody.

“The King was incredibly gracious and knowledgeable – he knew about Clackmannanshire and we discussed what I did for work and my nomination.

“We talked about the values we’re trying to instil in the next generation and he was very impressed that it was children driving a lot of this.

“He said he could take a lot of comfort knowing that the next generation are doing things so selfless and so worthwhile.”

David has rejoined Alva Academy as the schools reopened and has now begun filming music videos for the Parkinson’s singing group.