A REDNAL woman says she was shocked to receive an award in the Queen's New Year honours.

June Green has received a British Empire Medal for her work in the community, and her dedicated charity work.

The 81-year-old has for 30 years organised popular tea dance sessions for villagers.

Currently around 100 residents attend the sessions, which are held on Wednesdays at the Austin Sports and Social Club and Fridays at St Stephen's Church.

Money raised at the dances is donated to good causes, and over the years several national and local charities have been supported.

The 81-year-old said: "When we reach £300, we donate the money to a chosen charity.

"Each year we usually raise around £3,000."

June, who lives in the village with husband Geoff, said she was shocked when she learned she had been awarded the medal.

"I was very surprised," the former Sunday School teacher said.

"When you have been doing something for so long, you do it for the love of it not for the awards.

"But people have been saying how pleased they are for me."

The British Empire Medal was reintroduced in 2012 by the Government to recognise the work of people’s contribution to their community.