A BIG-HEARTED resident has been handed an MBE after supporting the elderly community during Covid-19.

Cherry McKean, from Earls Colne, was given the award as part of the Queen’s birthday honours list.

She said she was “over the moon” and very emotional.

“I am quite taken aback. I am emotional, elated – every emotion,” said Cherry.

“To have this, especially in the jubilee – it is special.

“I found out a few weeks ago and let me tell you it was the hardest secret to keep, so I am glad it is out there now, and what a wonderful thing it is.”

During the pandemic, Cherry started the Earls Colne Community Action Group.

The Facebook group allows members to communicate and volunteer to help vulnerable residents with daily tasks.

She said: “It was just as Covid was hitting. I was really worried about the elderly being by themselves, so I set up the Facebook group.

“I just felt everyone was so frightened, and sometimes it is hard for people to ask for help, so this was comforting for them.

“Everybody volunteered and it was an amazing response. The parish council even sent leaflets to everyone’s house.

“We did the shopping, medication runs and everybody had a phone number to call if they needed help.

“Since then, we have become best friends with many of them and are even doing their shopping now.”

Whilst Cherry has become an MBE and said the honour was for the whole community and it had been amazing seeing everyone come together.

She added: “Let me get this right, this is an MBE for the community.

“This is not just for me, but for Earls Colne, White Colne and Colne Engaine, as we all helped to network with each other

“It was such a positive feeling we made in a really dark time, and it couldn’t have happened if we didn’t all work together.

“I just love this village and everyone in it and couldn’t be more proud.”