Ramesh Verma, founder of the Ekta charity, was made an OBE at Buckingham Palace on February 9

A 69-year-old Ilford woman who set up a charity to help older Asian people was recognised for her work when she was appointed an OBE on Friday.

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Ramesh Verma, of Mornington Avenue, Ilford - the founder of the EKTA charity - received the honour from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace for her services to older people in east London.

After caring for her parents in their old age, she set up her charity, based in Newham, in 1986, to help older Asian people access services.

She said: “They didn’t have anywhere to go because of the language barrier.

“I was honoured but it was a shock because I was just doing my job.”

EKTA runs projects across east London including participating in last year’s Asian Women’s Education and Training Fair at Redbridge Town Hall.