Jane Ward, the artistic Director of Wolverhampton’s exceptional and long running Central Youth Theatre has been honoured with an MBE for her services to drama in the West Midlands.

Jane, who has run the Youth Theatre for 30 years in Wolverhampton, currently based at the Newhampton Arts Centre in Wolverhampton, described the day as ‘incredible’ and ‘emotional’

The Queen asked me about the work we do helping young people in the city. It was a great honour and very proud moment for me.

The accolade comes at a tough time for the established youth theatre group as its existence is under threat as a result of cuts by Wolverhampton City Council.

The group is extremely reliant on an annual grant of £13,500 from the city council, which may no longer be available, putting the entire 30 year legacy that the group has provided the city into serious jeopardy.

It also casts a cloud over this achievement and the national recognition that Jane Ward and the hundreds of young people who have been involved in the award winning group, have given Wolverhampton.

Every year is a constant battle to raise the funds to keep us moving forward.

Jane said she received her award alongside author Jackie Collins and former BBC newsreader Kay Alexander.

After the presentation Jane retired to a pub in Drury Lane to celebrate with 30 former members of the group.

You can see much more about the incredible work of the Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre 30 year history here