A STALWART supporter of adults with learning difficulties has been recognised in this year’s honours list.

Lynn McElheron has beem awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in His Majesty’s Birthday Honours list for services to vulnerable people, as well as the community of Newton Abbot.

‘I was totally surprised - it is fantastic’ Lynn said.

‘The letter came in the post and I thought, “Oh my God, what have I done?”, I couldn’t quite believe it when I read the letter - it is lovely.’

‘And then of course you aren’t allowed to tell anybody!’ she added.

Lynn received the award for her voluntary and charity work in Newton Abbot

Lynn is chairman of the Newton Abbot-based Meadowside Charity, which provides 24-hour permanent residential care for adults with learning disabilities,

‘Getting to work with adults with learning difficulties is a joy, they are just fantastic’ Lynn said.

‘We have a great group of staff who look after them.

‘Over the years we have had a number of challenges with the Meadowside Charity - it has been a struggle at times.

‘But now everything is looking really good, we have always made sure the residents are happy.

‘And we are just about to open a day-care centre within the grounds.

‘I cannot thank the trustees and staff enough, and Rotary Club of Newton Abbot have played an amazing part’ she added.

Lynn’s British Empire Medal was also given to for her work with Newton Abbot Community Interest Company (CIC).

Established in 2008, Newton Abbot Community Interest Company aims to deliver the projects and priorities as laid out in the Newton Abbot and District Community Plan.

The CIC is a not-for-profit organisation, with six directors, who are all volunteers, and it employs a small team of staff.

‘The CIC does some fantastic stuff in Newton Abbot

‘We do some fantasic things at our two community centres too, the advice hub for example.

‘Emily and all the staff are just fantastic.

Lynn will be formally presented her award by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, and then it will be off to London for a garden party at Buckingham Palace.