MARY Holman hadn’t even told her close family about being given a British Empire Medal for her services to the community before details were published yesterday.

The 80-year-old from Ditchling is a well-known face in the village, having acted as deputy clerk and then clerk of its parish council from the 1970s until she stepped down in 2015.

As well as her parish council role, Mrs Holman is also involved with the Ditchling Horticultural Society, the village association.

She is also linked with the Sprott’s Eleemosynary Charity, which provides grants to people in need in the area.

She said: “I was shocked and surprised about the award.

“I had to read the letter four times before it sank in.

“I am also very honoured.

“I have always enjoyed being involved with the council over the years.

“It has never been a job to me. It has always been a way of life.”