A SELFLESS long-time public servant is in "disbelief" after being awarded a BEM as part of the Queens' birthday honours.

Bewdley volunteer Susan Price, who set up the parish’s fundraising committee for the Children’s Society in 1966, will receive an BEM after over 50 years of charitable efforts.

The great-grandmother has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the committee helping disadvantaged children and has also devoted her support to the Church of England in Bewdley, and the Mothers’ Union.

Susan said: "This is a great privilege and an honour.

“I was in complete amazement and disbelief when I was informed.

“I didn’t expect anything in return for my volunteering.”

Susan was also honoured this year by receiving Maundy money at the Royal Maundy Service at St George’s Chapel, Winsor in March.

Susan moved to the West Midlands from Dorset when she was a teenager and has lived in Stourbridge and Kinver before settling in Bewdley.

The Bishop of Dudley, Graham Usher, said: “I’m delighted that Susan has received this award which is so well deserved.

"She is a wonderfully committed Christian who has given years of service to the Church of England in Bewdley, as well as to the Children's’ Society and the Mothers’ Union, helping through practical action and raising money for these three organisations through her famous jars of marmalade!”

She has celebrated her successful year with her large family who live all over the country and beyond and will continue celebrations at an upcoming family wedding.