A POPULAR supporter of Halesowen’s historic Leasowes Park has been awarded a BEM for services to the community as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Marianne Diller, aged 80, said she was “surprised, but honoured” to receive notice of her British Empire Medal, which she was awarded due to her work as chairman of the Friends of Leasowes Park since 1999.

Miss Diller, who was involved in promoting the park before the friends group was officially formed almost 20 years ago, told the News: “I think it is such a great honour to have, so I was very happy to accept it.

“So many people in Dudley volunteer and do such good work across the borough, so it’s just nice to know that what you do is appreciated.

“I wasn’t expecting it whatsoever, so it came as quite a nice surprise.”

The BEM is awarded in the Queen’s honours list to those who have taken a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community.

During Miss Diller’s time as chairman of the Friends of Leasowes Park, the group has raised thousands of pounds to make improvements to the green space for all its users.

She said: “I accepted it on behalf of the friends group who have worked hard over the last 20 years to make it as beautiful as it can be.

“I don’t know who nominated me, I assume it was other members of the friends group, but it’s nice to know that they felt I was worthy to receive such an honour.”

Miss Diller will receive her award, which also includes an invitation to one of the Queen’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace, later in the year.

She added: “It is such a privilege to be invited to a garden party at the palace. That will be a very special day.