A dedicated Monmouthshire councillor who has only missed one council meeting in the past year has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours.
Abergavenny councillor Maureen Powell, who is 84-years-old, has been recognised for political service.
The Castle ward councillor was first elected to Monmouthshire County Council in 2008.
In the past 12 months, Cllr Powell has attended 43 of 44 council meetings, sitting on a range of different committees.
She previously served as chairwoman of Monmouthshire council in 2012 and 2017, and as mayor of Abergavenny.
Cllr Powell said she was ‘astonished’ when she found out that she had been awarded the British Empire Medal.
“It came as a surprise to me, but at the same time I feel very honoured,” she said.
“I spend so much of my time supporting other people and I try to answer all of the calls my constituents make to me.
“If I can’t solve it myself, I pass it to the department that can.”
Cllr Powell said she “very rarely” misses any council meetings, sitting on committees including planning, children and young people select, adult select and chairing the North Monmouthshire Area committee.
She is also a governor at King Henry VIII School and volunteers at a range of community events.
“I’ve always been very pleased to work with other people,” said Cllr Powell, who intends to stand in May’s council elections.
“Obviously everything doesn’t always go smooth, but I’ve found being a councillor very rewarding.
“I love helping people and doing things.”
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