A WOMAN from Lydford was among Devon's finest honoured by the Queen last week when they were presented with a British Empire Medal.

Susan Holland runs the village hall drop-in for the older people in the village, where they can get a cup of tea, cake and a chat. She is also a great fundraiser for the community.

She takes bookings and helps to run Nicholls Hall, which hosts regular events for villagers.

As a member of the hall committee, Susan is part of the team that helps to organise the hall's drop-in meal service on Tuesday mornings, and community bistros that help to raise funds for local organisations.

Eight men and women from across the county were named in the New Year's Honours List.

They were presented with their awards by Devon's Lord Lieutenant, Eric Dancer, the Queen's representative in the county, at an investiture at County Hall at the end of May.

He said: 'These people are true community champions, and have been carrying out so much exceptional work to help others by fundraising, volunteering, helping the more vulnerable and bringing people together.

'It is a real honour to present them with their British Empire Medals. They fully deserve the recognition the award brings.

'They have changed their communities for the better, and I hope that the dedication and hard work they have provided to their communities will be an inspiration to all.'