ARCHITECT Quinlan Terry has been invested with his CBE by the Prince of Wales who told him: “It’s about time”.

Mr Terry was made a Commander of the British Empire for services to classical architecture at Buckingham Palace.

He said about 90 people attended the ceremony, including actress Joan Collins, who became a Dame.

“What was impressive to me was there were a lot of people who had helped the community," he said.

“It was not full of the elite, it was people who cared.”

Mr Terry has championed the cause of classical architecture for more than 50 years and believes profoundly buildings should enhance a street scene, not shout their own cleverness.

He has worked at the practice in Dedham High Street since 1962 and has been responsible for the architecture of at least 100 developments including many award-winning projects.

He attended the ceremony with his wife, Christine, and his son, Francis, who also works at the practice in Dedham, and his wife, Miranda.