A FORMER Mayor of Test Valley says she is “delighted, honoured and overwhelmed” to have been awarded an MBE for her five decades of service to the Andover community.

Marion Kerley was named as one of the recipients in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list officially announced by the Cabinet Office last Friday.

The 86-year-old was recognised for completing more than 19,000 hours of volunteer work across Test Valley over the last 50 years.

Commenting on her MBE, the great-grandmother-of-seven said: “I am so delighted, honoured and overwhelmed to receive this award.

“I knew that Sir George Young (former MP), councillor Brian Page and professor Diane Newell had proposed me for an award three or four years ago, but I never expected it to come to fruition.

“I’d like to thank my family who have been extremely sup - portive in helping me with my work.

"They’ve all been consistently there for me, particularly my late husband Jock, who was always very supportive.”

During her five decades of community work, Mrs Kerley has dedicated herself to a number of causes and previously served on 22 different committees at one time.

One of her most notable achievements includes serving as a borough councillor for the Winton ward for more than two decades.

Mrs Kerley’s career as a councillor began in 1989 after retiring from her role as a manager of the Marks and Spencer store in Andover.

She was elected as a Conservative councillor that same year and held the seat for 22 years.

The Chestnut Avenue resident served as Mayor of Test Valley from 1999 to 2000 and was awarded the title of Honourary Alderman in 2012. She also served as a councillor Andover Town Council for five years, following its creation 2010.

As well as her council work, Mrs Kerley has also been a trustee and committee member for charity Age Concern (now Age UK) since 1972.

The grandmother-of-four has also been a dedicated member, and chairman, of Andover Neighbourhood Watch since 1987.

Councillor Brian Page MBE, who nominated her for the honour, said: “I’ve been friends with Marion for a long long time and in that time she has always been doing things for other people.

“I received an MBE five or six years ago and I decided to nominate her for an award.

“She didn’t get it the first time so I’m really pleased she has now.

“She deserves it. Marion has helped an awful lot of people over many years.

"She is a very very good person.”