A 93-YEAR-old woman who has served the community in Chippenham for more than 40 years will receive a New Years Honour Award.

Jeanne Bush from West Kington has been awarded a British Empire Medal.

She has been a parish and unitary councillor since the 1970’s and has campaigned on many issues for Chippenham and the Nettleton Parish.

She has been particularly interested in planning and has helped many fellow farmers to protect their land.

Ms Bush said: “I received the letter around two weeks ago to say I was on the honours list, at first I thought I had done some sort of terrible deed.

“I was so surprised but so honoured.

“I have had to keep it a secret within the family, but I am looking forward to celebrating with my sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren in the New Year.

“I like working with country people like myself, and making sure they are treated fairly.

“I live on a farm and although I don’t do any farming myself now, my son still takes care of it all.”