A PIONEERING West Somerset woman who set up a fly-fishing club to help people recovering from breast cancer has received a top commendation from the Queen.

Gillian Payne, of Holsworthy Farm, Brompton Regis, set up South West Fishing for Life in 2008 and has seen the group go from strength to strength.

The club is one of only four in Somerset and 117 nationwide to receive The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2013.

The annual honour was created ten years ago by the Queen to mark her Golden Jubilee in 2002 and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by volunteers.

It has an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE has for individuals.

Gillian said she was "thrilled" to receive the accolade and hoped it would raise the profile of the group to enable it to help even more people.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet. We've only been going five years so I can't quite believe it," Gillian said.

She was inspired to set up the club after reading a book about one woman's battle against breast cancer.

She then discovered the muscle movements associated with fly-fishing had been medically proven to aid breast cancer patients and, living alongside Wimbleball Lake, the idea of fishing for life was born.

"Over 100 people have been through us already and it is my aim to get out there and reach the people who don't know about us," she said.

The founding group is now based at Wimbleball Lake and relies on the goodwill of lake owners the South West Lakes Trust and a ready team of volunteers, including fly-fishing coaches, committee members and fundraisers.

"The award is for all our dedicated volunteers, from those who make the teas and coffees, to the coaches and our dedicated committee.

"Without all those people the fly-fishing days just wouldn't happen," Gillian said.

There are now five fishing for life groups around the UK, with a sixth due to hold its first meeting in Dorset this month.

As well as the physical benefits of fly-fishing, club members also benefit mentally from the companionship of other group members and the peace and tranquility of the lake-based settings.

"Our aim is to have groups all over England so that anyone suffering from or recovering and living with breast cancer has the opportunity to go fishing for live and have some precious 'me time' with new found friends and feel that they can move on with their lives," Gillian said.

The group will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a commemorative crystal to mark its achievement at a special ceremony hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Gass.

Veteran broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis, who is chairman of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service award committee, said the winners should feel proud of their achievements.

"At grassroots level in communities across the land there are millions of citizens identifying and tackling issues and problems that affect out society in all kinds of ways.

"They are the finest examples of democracy in action, giving selflessly of time and effort to make our country better for everyone," he said.

The Wimbleball Lake fishing for life group meets on the first Sunday of each month between 10am and 1pm.

Each session is finished with either a barbecue in the summer months or a hearty bowl of soup during the winter.

More information is available from Gillian on 01398 371244 or by emailing her at [email protected]">[email protected].