Reverend Jones: 'This is for the town of Soham, as well as me'

The Reverend Tim Alban Jones, of St Andrew's Church, Soham, Cambridgeshire, became a high-profile figure in the town following the disappearance of the 10-year-olds.

His churchyard was covered with messages of sympathy to the families of the tragic friends.

At the same time as supporting his parishioners and the grieving town, Mr Alban Jones, 39, gave countless interviews to the world's media covering the tragedy.

On receiving the honour, he said: "It is bittersweet. I feel mixed emotions because I am still very aware of the strength of feeling in Soham, but it is a good day for me.

It is in recognition of the work of parish priests throughout the country day in and day out The Reverend Tim Alban Jones

"This is for the whole town of Soham as well as me. Soham is a special place to be.

"It is very fashionable to talk about the end of community, but what happened last summer shows quite clearly that the community is still alive and well, that it is together and fighting to overcome quite extraordinary difficulties."

"I don't think I have done anything particularly special.

"It is in recognition of the work of parish priests throughout the country - day in and day out. I'm accepting I'm being given it on behalf of everyone else."

Soham 'getting better'

Of the moment he received the award, Mr Jones said: "The Queen asked me how things were in Soham, which was kind of her."

He said that work to rebuild the town, which is still deeply affected by the murder of the 10-year-olds, is "going well" but the coverage Ian Huntley in hospital had been difficult to bear.

He said: "We were doing pretty well and getting better. The events of this week had interrupted that, but we are working together and getting better."