A COMMUNITY stalwart from a north Herefordshire village been awarded with her British Empire Medal.

Eva Thomas was presented with the BEM, which she received for services to the community of Little Hereford, from Lady Darnley, the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire.

The presentation took place in the recently refurbished Little Hereford Parish Hall, which Mrs Thomas played a major role in obtaining grants for from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

She is also a former president of the local Women's Institute (WI) and is always involved in community events.

Following the presentation, 70 invited guests from local organisations, as well as her husband Bill and family members from as far away as Germany and Japan, enjoyed afternoon tea provided by Little Hereford WI.

Members also sang their own version of Cliff Richards' 'Congratulations'.