Professor Thomas Acton, a campaigner for the rights of travellers and education of Gypsy children, was appointed an OBE recently in the New Year Honours list. Thomas Acton, who lives in Warley, is also secretary and representative of both the Brentwood Gypsy Support Group and Gypsy Lore Society.

Professor Acton, a sociologist, has lectured at the University of Greenwich for over 30 years and been professor of Romany Studies since 1997, was given the honour for services to education.

Professor Acton's interest in Gypsies began at Oxford University, where he ran the first Gypsy Council summer school in Hornchurch as a student in 1967, following a rebellion started by the Gypsies to educate their children.

By 1973 there were approximately 45 voluntary projects to help Gypsy children and demands grew for local authorities to take accountability for their education. Over the years schools have increasingly began to admit Gypsy children and today most authorities have a Traveller education service.

Brentwood School would like to congratulate Professor Thomas Acton for his achievements and for following the success of his father, John, who was also awarded an OBE for the work he did in the civil service.