A 93-YEAR-OLD woman who has served the community in Chippenham for more than 40 years will receive a New Years Honour Award.

Jeanne Bush from West Kington has been awarded a British Empire Medal.

She has been a parish and unitary councillor since the 1970’s and has campaigned on many issues for Chippenham and the Nettleton Parish.

She has been particularly interested in planning and has helped many fellow farmers to protect their land.

Ms Bush said: “I received the letter around two weeks ago to say I was on the honours list, at first I thought I had done some sort of terrible deed.

“I was so surprised but so honoured.

“I have kept it a secret within the family, but I am looking forward to celebrating with my sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren in the New Year.

“I like working with country people like myself, and making sure they are treated fairly.”

“I live on a farm and although I don’t do any farming myself now, my son still takes care of it all.”

John Parmiter, of Pembroke Green, Lea, was awarded a British Empire Medal for community service.

The 86-year-old, who has suffered from polio for 70 years, was parish clerk of Lea and Cleverton for 20 years. He was also involved in Malmesbury Marlins swimming club for more than 40 years.

He said: “It’s something I hadn’t even thought about, let alone be included on the honours list. I’ve always enjoyed working in the community so it’s nice to be recognised.”

Two senior Army officers have received recognition for their leadership in the response to the nerve agent attack in Salisbury.

Colonel Andrew Dawes CBE, Commander South West and Colonel Mike Duff OBE TD VR, Assistant Commander South West will both be presented with their awards following the challenging times in Salisbury last year.

Colonel Dawes has been recognised for his leadership as Military Commander during a period of high tempo in the region and Colonel Duff has received the award in recognition for his contribution to the decontamination of Salisbury and Amesbury.

Colonel Dawes, who has served all over the world including in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Australia and Egypt, said: “I am enormously humbled to be recognised in this way. It has been a privilege to command the South West region for the Army and I’ve been brilliantly supported by my team."

Colonel Duff, has been in the Reserves for 30 years and has served in Bosnia and Iraq, lives on Salisbury Plain and works in his civilian capacity for the MoD.

He said: “I am delighted to be recognised for my role in what was, undoubtedly, an absolute team effort. The decontamination of Salisbury and Amesbury was a complex and demanding task during which it was my pleasure to work with some outstanding military personnel and our multi-agency partners. The 12 month operation brought out the best in all those involved and it was truly fulfilling to play a part in returning Salisbury to normality after the unprecedented events."