An ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘dedicated’ volunteer that has made an enormous difference to promoting health and wellbeing in Ottery has been recognised for her services.

Elli Pang, chairman of the Ottery St Mary and district health and care forum, was presented with an award from the League of Mercy after being nominated by members of the community.

Mrs Pang, who moved from Austria 50 years ago, is also a town councillor and set up the town’s skate park committee, attended a special ceremony in London to receive the accolade from Lord Lingfield.

The nomination read: “It is clear that Mrs Pang has made an enormous difference in the lives of older, lonely and sometimes disabled people in the community. She is such an enthusiastic, energetic, charming person that her groups have enormous fun and are so much happier as a result. She has done much more than this for her local community and is highly regarded by all.”