COMMUNITY stalwarts Pam Martin from Littledean and Rose Peaty from Blakeney have both been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s honours in recognition of their work at grass routes level.

Pam Martin, a former churchwarden and community stalwart in Mitcheldean, has been awarded the BEM for her services to the community.

Pam, who now lives in Littledean, was one of the main fundraisers behind the Save Our Spire appeal for St Michael’s and All Angels which began in 2002, although her work continues with new funds needed for repairs, and was eager to tell her children about her incredible award.

“It was a complete shock,” she said.

“I stood still for half an hour and then burst into tears! It was the last thing on earth that I could have ever imagined for myself.

“I feel very humbled to be quite honest. All that I do I do because I love being involved with people.

Rose Peaty has been awarded the medal in recognition of her tireless work with the Blakeney Community Green project.

Mrs Peaty has helped secure funds and other support for the community, helping her to take forward a number of schemes in and around Blakeney. These include the village hall renovation, the opening of the Otters Holt community café, creation of the woodland walk, new play equipment and the re-opening of the footpath between Blakeney and Soudley.

She said: “This is a huge honour but I wasn’t expecting it.

“Everything I do is for the church and he community and my love for these things.”

Mrs Peaty has worked closely with the Two Rives Housing Association where

Jane Cordier, the community projects co-ordinator, said: “Rose is the backbone of the Blakeney community and she has a natural ability to engage with people of all ages.

Roger Head, the owner of Highnam Court, was awarded the OBE for services to charity and the community

Mr Head said that when he bought the 17th Century property in 1994 the gardens had lain untended for decades. Since then he has had the gardens restored to their former glory and they are now often used as the venue for charity events.

He said: "It is a real honour and a great privilege at being awarded an OBE. The best part of it will be taking my 87-year-old mother to the palace – that will be a real highlight.”