JEAN Humber, secretary and founder-member of the West Somerset Car Scheme Partnership, was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in the New Year’s Honours list.

The former head of biology at West Somerset College has been involved in numerous community activities since she arrived in West Somerset with her husband Peter in 1974.

“There are so many people who do so much good in the community. I certainly didn’t expect this and I am delighted and very surprised to have got this award,” she said.

County council transport commissioning manager Nicholas Margison said: “Car schemes provide a lifeline to those members of the community who would otherwise be stuck in their own homes.

“Jean is an example of the ’big society’ in action and those of us who have had the privilege to work with her, or are the recipients of her hard work, are much better for the experience.”

Jean’s story is in this week’s Free Press (January 4).