SHE has championed a Hampshire community for two decades - and improved the lives of hundreds of people who live there.

Now Phyllis Inglis is celebrating after being handed a British Empire Medal in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.

The 86-year-old has been an active volunteer in New Milton for 20 years and is heavily involved in the town's residents association.

She also chairs the town's Neighbour Care group, which provides medical transport and shopping trips for the elderly, as well as the New Milton Stroke Group and is a committee member on the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

Mrs Inglis, of Fernhill Lane, revealed that she stepped up her volunteering after her husband passed away nine years ago.

“It keeps me going,” she said.

“When my husband died, I found I needed to do more to help me get up in the morning.

“I laughed when I opened the letter and found out about the honour. But I am very proud to receive it.”

Mrs Inglis has no plans to ease up on her many commitments and has called for younger people to follow her lead.