He’s a stalwart of the East End, a self-made man whose foundation has celebrated the achievements of hundreds of thousands of youngsters.

And yesterday, Sir Jack Petchey received his knighthood at Buckingham Palace after being included in the New Year’s Honours List.

Sir Jack is the same age as the Queen, whose official 90th birthday takes place tomorrow.

He said: “I would like to wish Her Majesty a Happy Birthday today from one 90 year old to another.

“It was also such an honour to receive a knighthood at Buckingham Palace just a day before.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty on a few occasions often due to her support for good causes.”

The philanthropist, who established his foundation in 1999 to provide funding for youth projects, was given his knighthood by the Prince of Wales for services to young people.

“More than receiving recognition myself I am proudest of the recognition this knighthood gives to the Jack Petchey Foundation and the young people we support,” he said.

“I always say ‘If you think you can, you can’ whatever your background. Being recognised with this honour proves just that to the young people we work with.

“They can achieve, make positive contributions to society, and they will be satisfied in their lives.”