A former Sidmouth councillor ‘instrumental’ in saving the town’s youth centre has been recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Sidmouth Herald: Ann and Graham Liverton celebrate news she has received British Empire Medal on the Queen's Honours List.Ann and Graham Liverton celebrate news she has received British Empire Medal on the Queen's Honours List. (Image: Archant)

Ann Liverton will receive the British Empire Medal for services to families, children and the community in East Devon.

The 72-year-old was a town and district councillor for 16 and 23 years respectively, where she chaired a working group to help keep Sidmouth Youth Centre open.

As well as her civic duties, she has been made an honorary alderman for EDDC and has been chairman of many local groups.

The grandmother-of-six is currently chairman of Sidmouth Consolidated Charities and a trustee for Stallcombe House in Woodbury, a care home for 33 adults with learning difficulties.

Ann, of Tyrell Mead, said: “When you get known for doing things, you are asked to do others. That’s why I went into politics because you hope you can make things better.

“There are people that I have met who have done as much and more that have not had any recognition. It’s very nice but there are other people who deserve it as well.”

Her involvement with local groups began after she left her job as a pharmacy technician at Boots to raise her three sons before becoming involved with the Primley Wives Group.

She also served as a school governor at Bicton College and Sidmouth College as well as All Saints Infant School for nearly 30 years.

Her husband of nearly 25 years Graham said: “It’s in her DNA that she is always busy and has done a lot of good for everybody.

“I think it is wonderful she is being recognised for her hard work, she is not one to look for it, she does it because she loves it.”

In her nomination, the Sidmouth resident had shown a ‘real commitment to her local community’.

The nomination read: “She was instrumental in saving the Youth Centre at Sidmouth, which ensures the youth have somewhere to go to for help and advice.

“Her vast local knowledge and contacts are an asset to promoting scouting in the area and ensuring there is administration and finances are provided so that scouting can continue to operate. She has earned huge respect for the amount of work she does.”