Long-serving Labour councillor Judi Billing says her work developing local government around the world earned her a place on the Queen’s birthday honours list - but it’s her role representing constituents in Hitchin that keeps her grounded.

Judi, who will be presented with her MBE at a date to be arranged, says she has been overwhelmed by the many congratulations she has received since news of the award was made public.

She told the Comet this morning: “I have been absolutely inundated with kindness since the announcement was made on Friday night.

“My award has been given for the work I do across the county and internationally supporting councillors of all political parties, running courses and working with them to improve local government.

“This work has taken me the length and breadth of England and Wales as well as challenging assignments in Northern Ireland, Israel, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“But it is my work as a member of North Herts District Council and Herts County Council representing Hitchin which keeps me grounded, in touch with the needs of people as individuals and in groups and where I am able to try and make a real difference.

“The kind and supportive phone calls, tweets, emails and Facebook messages have come from local people as well as those across the country and have been from those who care deeply about politics and those who don’t give a fig.

“My values and driving force will always be in the Labour Party but I’m delighted to work with people of many political persuasions and none to try and improve local services and the quality of life in Hitchin and beyond.”

Click here to find out about other North Herts and Stevenage people named in the honours list