A FORMER Mayor of Test Valley has been awarded an MBE for her five decades of service to the Andover community.

Marion Kerley has been named as one of the recipients in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list - officially announced by the Cabinet Office on Friday evening.

The 86-year-old has been recognised for completing more than 19,000 hours of volunteer work in Andover over the last 50 years.

During that time, Mrs Kerley has dedicated herself to a number of causes.

Her most notable work includes her volunteering at Age Concern (now Age UK), for which she has been a trustee and adviser since 1985.

Mrs Kerley has been a dedicated member, and chairman, of Andover Neighbourhood Watch since 1987.

She was also been a councillor on both Andover Town Council and Test Valley Borough Council and served as Mayor of Test Valley from 1999 to 2000.

One of those to comment on the news was former TVBC leader, Ian Carr, who worked with Mrs Kerley during their time as councillors.

He said: "I'm very pleased for her.

"She is a very lovely lady who has lived in Andover for many years.

"She would do anything for anyone."

For more reaction see next Friday's Andover Advertiser.