A woman who has dedicated a large part of her life to raising money for charity was rewarded with a BEM by the Queen in the New Year’s Honours.

Sally Williams from Bourne End said the honour came absolutely out of the blue as she never expected to be awarded for doing something she enjoyed.

Mrs Williams originally moved to Flackwell Heath in 1966 but from the late 1970s has lived in Bourne End.

It was following her move to the district when she kick-started her charity aim.

Over the years, Mrs Williams has raised thousands for charities including Iain Rennie Hospice at Home and Helen and Douglas House, while she has also been heavily involved in the award-winning Wye Valley Volunteers.

She said: “I am very pleased with this, but I was gobsmacked, you never expect something like that to be given to you for doing something you enjoy and find fulfilling.

“I have tried to volunteer and help numerous charities over the years and even though I’m stating to take a step back I will continue to do what I can.”