A Radlett retiree has an MBE in recognition of her services to charity and the community.

Gillian Balen, 76, from Radlett Park Road, began volunteering almost as soon as she retired in 2000. She also serves on Aldenham Parish Council.

Since 2003 she has been the founding member and Chair of the Red House Patients Group, a patients participation group attached to the Red House Group of Surgeries serving some 19,000 patients.

She has also recently been made chair of the West Herts Hospital Trust Patients’ Panel, serving patients at Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead.

She also founded an inter-faith group which is now managed by Aldenham Parish Council.

Mrs Balen said: "I feel honoured and very excited, I didn’t expect to ever get anything.

"You don’t volunteer for the rewards and I was amazed, it has been very difficult keeping it secret from people.

"It’s like when you are little and waiting for your birthday."