A FORMER Holyrood Community School student named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for an MBE, said her experiences in Chard helped her achieve it.

Laura Willoughby, 31, was given the prestigious title for her work in Islington, where she is the LibDem executive member of communities for Islington council.

Laura said: "When I was 14 I became secretary for Glynswood Community Association and this MBE has come from all of my experiences in Chard. It's a privilege. It's quite unusual for somebody my age."

When Laura left Holyrood she was given the award for service to the school and she campaigned for a skateboard ramp to keep children off the streets and give them a safe environment to play in.

As well as community and school work, many people in Chard may also remember Laura from White's Fishmongers where she worked behind the counter for four years.