A ST Albans resident for over 40 years has received her first major award – a British Empire Medal for services to the community in Herts following her involvement with the Woodland Trust support group.

Pamela Farley said that the group was set up over 10 years ago after the trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity which established Heartwood Forest in Sandridge, asked for volunteers to initiate it.

She said: “There were about five or six of us who put our hands up and said we had the time and the enthusiasm to help.” Pamela, who has always been interested in walking and countryside activities, is a founder member of the group.

The former teacher helps the trust with its many planting days, surveys and the summer fair.

Pamela said she was a “little embarrassed” about receiving the BEM as “there are so many people doing so much. But it’s lovely”.