A stalwart Southend councillor spoke of her amazement at being made an MBE in the New Year's Honours list.

Conservative West Leigh councillor Gwen Horrigan will now receive her MBE from the Queen in 2005 after being recognised for her services to the community.

As well as being Southend Council's portfolio holder for housing and deputy portfolio holder for environment and public protection, the retired magistrate is a member of numerous local groups and organisations.

However, it is for her work with the town's elderly and vulnerable population that the grandmother is best known.

On being made an MBE, Mrs Horrigan, of Hazelwood Grove, Leigh, paid tribute to her friends and colleagues.

She said: "I am delighted to be included in the New Year's Honours List. When I found out I couldn't stop shaking. I couldn't believe it.

"This is an honour not just for me but for all the people in Southend and Leigh as all the work that I have been honoured for is thanks to them too and I couldn't have done it without their support.

"I am so pleased to have been offered this award from the Queen as she has always been a shining example to me."