A POLICEMAN who helped foil the attempted kidnap of Princess Anne nearly 37 years ago has been honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.

PC Ivor Macgregor, who is based at Romford police station, has been given the Police Award for services to policing.

The 62-year-old was a rookie officer based in the west end when he was patrolling near Pall Mall in 1974.

Lone gunman Ian Ball had planned to kidnap Princess Anne and her then-husband Capt Mark Phillips and hold them to ransom when PC Macgregor helped foil the plot.

“That’s about the highlight of my career,” PC Macgregor said. “I think the original call to us was about some sort of road traffic accident but when I arrived I knew it was a royal car because it didn’t bear a number plate.

“I instinctively just ran after him. He turned round and pointed his gun at me, but I jumped on him and held him down as he struggled until help arrived.”

PC Macgregor, who grew up in Romford and Forest Gate, said he didn’t realise the danger he had been in until after the incident was over.

He was honoured with a police commendation shortly afterwards, and received another one for securing the arrest and conviction of a double murderer in Forest Gate in 1991.

The officer, who fulfilled his childhood dream with a career in the force, said: “My family and I are extremely honoured and proud to receive this. It came completely out of the blue, I’m quite chuffed.”

Three other Havering residents receive d New Year’s honours:

Christopher John George Webb was awarded an MBE for voluntary service to the Scouts in Romford. A British Transport Police officer in his day job, PC Webb has helped the scouts for more than 37 years and became Scout Leader of 1st Romford in 1994.

PC Webb said: “I’m chuffed. The Scouts are a great organisation and it is fantastic working with the youngsters and my fellow volunteers. This is recognition for them as well.”

Teresa Esan, the director of employability and employer engagement at City and Islington College, was given an MBE for services to Further Education.

A spokesman for the college said: “We’re delighted and extremely proud that Teresa has been recognised in such a way. The role that she plays has had a dramatic impact on many people’s lives.”

Peter George Baker, a security vetting officer at the Department of Health who was awarded an MBE.