THE “meritorious services” of a Test Valley civil servant have been recognised with a prestigious honour.

Billie-Kay Cooper, of Evans Close, Over Wallop, was awarded the Imperial Service Medal and a framed letter from St James’s Palace at a ceremony in the Officer’s Mess at Minley, Surrey.

The medal, established in 1902 by King Edward VII for civil service employees who have completed 25 years, is given to those who have made positive contributions during their time in the profession.

Billie-Kay, 45, who lives with her husband, Jonathan, 18-year-old daughter Amy and 11-year-old son Joshua, received the letter telling her that she had been nominated for the medal in January this year.

She said: “I was shocked when I got the letter. I phoned my mum straight away I was so elated.

“It was a lovely day, attended by several of my former work colleagues.

“It is an honour to receive this medal, and I feel truly privileged and proud to be given this award.”

Billie-Kay’s civil service career began working as a data processor with the Royal Logistics Corp in Andover at the age of 16.

She spent 16 years working in the town before transferring to the Regular Commissions Board in Westbury, the assessment centre for Army officer selection, then St Omer Barracks in Aldershot.

During her 26 years of service she has held a variety of roles in personnel, medical assistance and technical training.

Billie-Kay left the Civil Service in 2012 and is now a domiciliary nurse working in Andover.