Local hero of the health and wellbeing community in Honiton, Heather Penwarden, has been awarded a BEM as announced in the recently published New Years Honours list.

Her name was next to a caption which read: "Chair, The League of Friends of Honiton Hospital.

"For services to the community in Honiton, Devon."

Many people in the town will know of Heather through her work with The League of Friends of Honiton Hospital, which fundraises to improve medical services for people living in Honiton and the surrounding area.

Heather is also chair of the Honiton Dementia Action Alliance, which raises money and awareness in support of those suffering with dementia.

Along with a campaign to make Honiton a 'Dementia Friendly' town, the group has also been instrumental in securing an Admiral Nurse for the local area.

Heather commented: "I feel immensely proud that in receiving this honour, Honiton has been put on the national map along with highlighting all the wonderful work that is carried out tirelessly by volunteers in Hospitals, Memory Cafes and WI members all around the country.

"Honiton is an exceptional example of a community with a huge heart and ambitious aims that really does take action and make a difference."

Heather Penwarden was one of two women from Honiton to be acknowledged as part of the Queen's New Years Honours list 2020.

Helen Reddy of Honiton Gymnastics Club was awarded with an OBE for her contribution to the world of sport. To find out more, click the red button below.