Two Epsom residents are celebrating after being honoured with MBEs.

Norma Darter, of Walton-on-the-Hill, and Epsom-resident Christina Kitchen both received their awards for charity work.

Mrs Darter, of Sandlands Road, said she “couldn’t quite believe it” when she heard of her award.

She said: “I keep having a little smile every time I think about it and my husband thinks it’s incredible.”

Mrs Darter was recognised for her work with a number of charities including the Children’s Trust and the Royal Marsden Hospital. Before retiring, she worked as a welfare assistant at Woodlands School.

Speaking about her volunteering, the 67-year-old said she had “always” been involved in fundraising.

She said: “I like meeting people and getting money for charities. I just enjoy it.

“But I always get lots of support from the village and it’s thanks to the residents that I get on so well.”

Mrs Kitchen, a former biology teacher at Rosebery School, has been working with charities for more than 45 years, particularly with Oxfam.

She said: “I was jolly pleased. When people do things for the community it’s nice to be recognised.”

When she spoke to the Epsom Guardian, Mrs Kitchen had just spent 24 hours in hospital for a dislocated shoulder.

The 82-year-old said: “When I think how well I did today, with an ambulance, a stay in hospital and a sling on my arm, and that people in the Third World probably wouldn’t get any attention at all, I know I'll keep on collecting.”

Mrs Kitchen said her four sons were “all very amused and delighted” at her MBE.

All of them have followed in her footsteps in supporting various charities.

Mrs Nicola Anne Cox, of Leatherhead, received an MBE for services to children as the founder and editor of First News newspaper.

The tabloid format newspaper, aimed at seven to 14-year-olds, is a weekly publication which presents current events in a child-friendly format.

Launched in 2006, First News is the widest-read publication for children in the UK with just under 800,000 readers.

Michael Duckett, of Worcester Park, has been awarded an MBE for services to the NHS.

Mr Duckett, who has worked as a catering service manager for London’s Royal Brompton hospital since 2001, has been recognised for the revolutionary impact he has made with the hospital’s food.

Working with the Soil Association and London Food Link to provide fresher food for patients, Mr Duckett has switched the hospital food from processed meals to local organic produce.

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