A STARBOTTON woman has been awarded with a MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours list.

The Honourable Lady Alexandra Roche, who lives at Bridge House in the village, was awarded the MBE for voluntary services.

"She's worked in a voluntary capacity all her life," said Cecilia Roche, the youngest of Lady Roche's eight children.

"She's extremely happy to receive the award and as a family we're thrilled and very proud of her," said Cecilia. "She's worked long and hard for it."

Lady Roche, 82, who has worked 40 years as a magistrate on the West London Bench, served on the ethics committee at four hospitals in London, including St Mary's in Paddington, Charing Cross, Chelsea and Westminster and Cromwell hospitals.

Lady Roche, who is related to three prime ministers (Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden and Alec Douglas-Home) and went to school with one other (Harold Macmillan), has served as a Red Cross volunteer, a school governor, parish councillor and is currently president of the Wharfedale Conservatives.

"At least ten people put her name forward," added Cecilia. "She was moved that so many thought so highly of her."

Lady Roche has eight children and eight grandchildren and her home at Bridge House, Starbotton, has been in the family since 1637.