AFTER the New Year’s Honours were revealed, church volunteer Pam Martin faced another decision – where to receive her ‘gong’.

Mrs Martin was one of four people in the Forest and Wye Valley to be recognised for their work in the community.

She was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her work with St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Mitcheldean after being nominated by a close friend.

On Monday (January 4) she received a letter from Dame Janet Trotter, the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, who will present the award later this year.

Mrs Martin, who lives in Littledean, said: “It said she would be presenting it and asked whether I would like a function at county or in Mitcheldean.

“There was no question: of course I’m going to have it in Mitcheldean – it’s Mitcheldean’s not mine.”

She is involved in a number of projects that strive to put the church at the heart of the community including a monthly lunch club for local people, a weekly coffee and chat session and Open the Book which provides child-friendly worship in school assemblies.

Mrs Martin said she would normally shy away from publicity but wanted Mitcheldean to be recognised.

“If the community of Mitcheldean want me to have this, the least I could do is have the publicity so it can be reflected in their direction because they are the ones who have earned it.

“I’ve only been a small cog and there are many people in Mitcheldean who deserve it far more than I do.”

The other local people receiving honours were Rose Peaty of Blakeney, Jenny Harries of Monmouth and Roger Head of Highnam.