A TOP Rotary honour has been handed out to a former Gazette editor.

Irene Kettle, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Colchester Forum, has been awarded with the Paul Harris Fellowship to recognise her outstanding commitment to the club and the community.

After serving as president of the club in 2013/14, Ms Kettle has played a lead role in the club’s pioneering Food for Thought project which teaches young carers Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food cooking course.

It is the first scheme in the club’s 40 year history which has been rolled out to other clubs across the UK.

The award was presented by club president Ray Gamble.

He said: “ This is very well deserved.

“The Rotary Club of Colchester Forum gives very few Paul Harris Fellowships; it is a rarity.”

The prize is named after Paul Percy Harris, who founded Rotary International in 1905 and is given to people who meet high professional and personal standards in humanitarian work.

Ms Kettle said: “I know forum does not give these out lightly so this is an amazing honour.

“The project is a team effort and one which is making a real difference to the lives of young carers, so it is a privilege for me to be involved.

“I hope many other rotary clubs will take up forum’s initiative.”