A KNIGHTHOOD and an MBE are the most recent additions to the borough s hall of fame. Paul Grant, head teacher at Robert Clack Comprehensive School, Gosfield Road, Dagenham, was knighted for his services to local and national education in the Queen s Birth

A KNIGHTHOOD and an MBE are the most recent additions to the borough's hall of fame.

Paul Grant, head teacher at Robert Clack Comprehensive School, Gosfield Road, Dagenham, was knighted for his services to local and national education in the Queen's Birthday honours.

He made the national headlines after he was honoured for restoring discipline to a failing school and turning it into one of the country's best comprehensives.

Chairman of governors at Robert Clack School, Brian Phillips, said: "I think it's a well-deserved honour.

"His interview with the governing body was a very clear plan that the school needed to introduce a very robust course of discipline."

"He said that "firm but fair" discipline was needed and that a clear set of rules eventually led to a more relaxed atmosphere in the school."

In February this year, Robert Clack was among only 12 secondary schools from deprived areas in the country that were highlighted by Ofsted as "excelling against the odds."

Cllr Milton McKenzie picked up an MBE for his services to trade unionism and to diversity and equal opportunities in Barking and Dagenham.

Cllr McKenzie said: "I feel very, very honoured.

"Promoting diversity has been a life-long ambition of mine.

"We all have to work together because together we are strong."

He described his move into local politics as a natural step.

"It's a natural progression of first becoming a shop steward in the 1970s and of fighting injustices throughout," said Cllr McKenzie.

"I would like to thank all the people who thought of putting my name forward to be recognised.