A POSTMISTRESS in a village near St Austell has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for the first class service she gives to her community.

Sally Bourton has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for always going the extra mile in Trewoon.

The postmistress co-ordinated volunteers during the pandemic and found ways to lift spirits, she organised big celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of Charles III, and she fundraises for many good causes.

Community-minded Sally has been at the heart of her village since she became postmistress in June 2000.

During the pandemic, Sally played a key role in pulling together volunteers who were willing to help the community. To keep up spirits up, Sally also organised socially-distanced sing-a-longs.

Sally, who is joint secretary of the village hall, also heads up a team of charity fundraisers.

Trewoon Post Office acts as a type of local food bank, with various food items being dropped off for villagers to just go along and collect. Sally also co-ordinates a clothes collection box for vulnerable people.

In addition, Sally has turned part of her post office into a community hub. Sally and her fundraising team successfully applied for grants to make this happen.

Sally said: “I was so surprised to get this Kings’ Birthday Honours award. I was so thrilled, but it was so difficult keeping it quiet from my family, including my husband. I love my job as a postmistress and my customers are like family.

“I really like to get involved in fundraising and organising community events. Because I know so many people in the village, I’m in a prime position to encourage customers to volunteer, whether it be for helping the elderly and vulnerable during the pandemic or putting on a royal celebration. None of these events, volunteering or fundraising would be possible without a team effort.”

Meanwhile, Sharron Adams, from St Austell, has been awarded an MBE for services to children and young people with disabilities.