Grandmother Sheila Hinds had a big secret to keep over Christmas after finding out she was on the New Year’s Honours List.
Sheila, 66, said the news that she was being awarded an MBE made her Christmas, even though she was not allowed to tell anyone.
The grandmother of two was sent a letter telling her the news in November. She was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her 41-year career with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
She said: “I worked within the DWP for 41 years in a number of roles and I have to say that I have enjoyed every single day.
“Throughout my time I have been based in Nuneaton and Coventry and I have met so many wonderful and interesting people along the way.
“I am absolutely honoured and delighted to have been awarded the MBE after a 41-year career with the civil service. It made my Christmas.”
Sheila has also been a keen member of the Girl Guiding movement for the past 31 years, and is a big supporter of the Holy Trinity Church in Hartshill, where she is the secretary of the Parochial Church Council and a member of the social committee.
She said she is looking forward to receiving her award at Buckingham Palace, adding: “I have said I will have to get a new outfit, but my daughters said I have plenty in my wardrobe.”
Other local people to be named on the list were Margaret Bates from Atherstone, who also works for the DWP and was awarded an MBE, and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough councillor David Bill, who was awarded an MBE.