A BORTH woman has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to her community.

Valerie Joy Cook, known as Joy to the people of Borth, was awarded the medal in recognition of her numerous and varied contributions to the people of the village.

Among Joy’s most noteworthy achievements is the revival of St Matthew’s Church Sunday School, where she led a resurgence in the number of children attending from just four 10 years ago, to more than 30 today.

Joy, a former teacher who devoted a considerable amount of time mentoring primary school pupils, was also a school governor and church warden.

Not only this, but Joy helped arrange trips for elderly people in Borth through the Senior Citizens Group, is a member of the Borth RNLI committee, the Borth Sports and Playing Fields Association committee, and the Borth branch of the Royal British Legion.

Cllr Ray Quant said: “I think it is absolutely superb.

“I wish to congratulate Joy on her this well-deserved recognition.”

Another Ceredigion resident to receive an award was Newcastle Emlyn woman, Maureen Spowart Davies, secretary of trustees, HUTS Workshop.

Mark Williams MP, who knows Joy very well, added: “I am very well aware of the high esteem that both Joy and Mo are held in their communities for all the hard work that they do and I want to congratulate them both unreservedly on their awards.”