A WELL-KNOWN former postmistress has won a South West BEM (British Empire Medal) for her services to the community in Ruardean.

Edith Duberley ran the Village Store for 52 years and the Post Office for 28 years.

The 81-year-old is among sixteen recipients on the Queen's Birthday Honours List after locals nominated her to the honours' committee.

A BEM rewards a sustained, local contribution or innovative, high-impact work of a relatively short duration (e.g. three to four years).

She is praised for building a shop which is dedicated to providing a much-needed lifeline to elderly residents, as well as raising thousands of pounds for numerous local groups which even saw her – at the age of 75 – walk across hot coals for Dean Forest Hospice.

She also raised nearly £200 in support of Joshua's Wish to Walk, which sent an eight-year-old boy with cerebral palsy to America for treatment. She has also been a key figure organising and running the local Brownie pack for the last 20 years.

She also runs the village hall and supports the village's annual carnival and the ancient tradition of the Lord Mayor's Court.

Mrs Duberley said: "This really is a surprise and a wonderful achievement. I can't believe I was nominated by the people in the village – I didn't think I would get anything like this.

"I love to support the community and it doesn't feel like work, if somebody is in need then I will do all I can to help. I miss working in the post office and shop – more so for the company – I loved every minute of working there.

"Since retiring my husband has been ill so I have been taking care of him, once he's on the mend I plan to do some more community work. Our community is one big family and I want to thank them for nominating me for my medal. It's a privilege."

Edith is awaiting to hear when she will have to travel to London to collect her award.