An Ireby woman will receive a national honour for devoting 50 years to her village.

Barbara Boyes, 73, will be given a British Citizen Award for services to her community at the Palace of Westminster on January 28.

She moved to the village from Aspatria in 1960 to live with her late husband Alec.

Since then she has looked after the popular Globe Hall for 30 years and was a governor at Ireby Primary School and a church warden.

From managing bookings and payments to preparing the hall, cleaning and maintenance, Barbara took on many additional roles as the Globe Hall's management committee diminished over the years.

Under her guidance the hall held many different activities and events including yoga, bowls, concerts, Ireby Music Festival and a lunch club.

A major refurbishment was needed in 2000 and Barbara supported a local businessman who obtained a lottery grant for the work.

She identified the necessary changes and improvements and contacted local businesses to source new kitchen equipment and furniture.

She said: "I was on the committee and it just progressed from there.

"As it got smaller there was more for me to do but I just got on with it.

"We're a very close community and everybody helps out.

"Getting the Lottery money and bringing the hall up to date is something I'm very proud of.

"I love the village, I don't know whether I'd want to live anywhere else."

Barbara was forced to step down last year after major heart surgery and a new committee has now been established.

She said: "I'm not doing quite as much as I used to.

"Things have to change and you need new blood in and different ideas but I'll help out if I can and if I'm needed."

Barbara was nominated by Pauline Bibby, who has been her friend for 20 years.

She added: "I couldn't believe it, I thought somebody was having me on.

"You just automatically do it and don't look for any reward when you do these things.

"It's a lovely honour."