A COUNTY chairman has been awarded one of their highest honours for her commitment to the organisation by the Royal British Legion women's section.

A COUNTY chairman has been awarded one of their highest honours for her commitment to the organisation by the Royal British Legion women's section.

Patricia Scott, 72, from Needham Market, received the honour in front of 100 delegates at the body's annual conference within the town's community centre.

Mrs Scott, county chairman since 1999, has worked tirelessly for the section and her efforts were recognised with a prestigious gold award which reflects her commitment at a county or national level.

Mrs Scott, a retired headteacher whose son is a major with the Royal Engineers and whose daughter served for ten years with the Royal Corps of Signals, said: “I never expected this, it's absolutely amazing.

“The organisation provides scholarships for retraining ex service people and has a children's fund to help children from former military families.

“We are even sponsoring an athlete for the next Olympics from the military. I have got a huge amount from the organisation and really enjoy giving to the section.”

Josephine Lea, Needham Market town mayor and a member of the organisation, said: “Patricia is fantastic and just tireless, what she does for the organisation is amazing and all voluntary. She travels miles around the county and attends national functions.”

The annual conference saw 20 cups and shields presented for efforts including needlework and fundraising, with the section involved helping and supporting others.

Maureen Cole OBE, president, said the day had gone extremely well and delegates had really enjoyed the annual event.

Delegates sand visitors also enjoyed a talk about a donkey sanctuary and how to handle a woman during the meeting.