The curator of Honiton’s Allhallows Museum has been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Married mum-of-three Margaret Lewis, who has lived in Honiton for 31 years, will be presented with the award to recognise her service to the community.

Speaking to the Herald, she said: “I am completely overwhelmed from the congratulations I am getting from all over the place.

“I have no idea how the word gets around so fast! I am just thrilled to bits.”

Margaret has been an active citizen in Honiton since she moved to the town from Feniton in 1985.

She took on her first fundraising venture in Payhembury as a 14-year-old, completing a sponsored walk for the Honiton branch of the Royal British Legion.

When she moved to Honiton - resigning from 18 organisations in and around the parish as a result - Margaret pledged to never get so heavily involved in a community again.

But she has broken that promise with aplomb.

Since taking up residence in Honiton, Margaret has raised thousands of pounds for charities, taken over the running of Allhallows Museum, been heavily involved with Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce until March this year and has been the online parish clerk for both Honiton and Payhembury for 20 years.

It was only when she was diagnosed with cancer last May that her workload had to be reduced, but Margaret says that as long as she can walk, talk and type, she will still continue to do what she is doing. Her efforts have now been rewarded with an invite to a garden party in Exeter this year, and a lavish bash at Buckingham Palace next year.

A spokesman for Honiton Town Council said: “We are delighted to hear that Margaret Lewis has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her hard work in providing services to the local community of Honiton. Without doubt, this is a well-deserved acknowledgement of Margaret’s commitment and dedication.

“Last year, the town council also recognised Margaret for her service to the community in the roll of honoured citizen.”