A NEWTOWN St Boswells woman has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's New Year's Honours.

Anne Elizabeth Campbell, pictured, was honoured for services to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in the Scottish Borders.

Mrs Campbell's parents were the co-founders of the MS Society in their native Northern Ireland and seeing the work they both did rubbed off on Anne at an early age, first shaking a collection can at eight years old.

She then went on to be a founding member of the MS Society Branch in Northern Ireland.

In 1947, Anne's own mother was then diagnosed with MS, when the condition was still virtually unknown.

She moved to the Borders in 1986 and on top of committing 60 years of service with the organisation, she is now President of the local MS Branch. She is wholly committed to improving the lives of those suffering with MS and makesherself available all times of the day and night ot give practical help to the sufferers and their carers.

Her inspirational leadership brings together disabled and able bodied invidivuals in fundraising events and social gatherings and shehas continued to be the leading branch fundraiser, working ceaselessly to raise thousands of pounds every year to ensure that they can continue to provide physiotherapy, reflexology, pilates, yoga, and other therapies which enhance the lives and well-being of those living with the illness.

Morna Simpkins, MS Society Scotland Director said, "It is wonderful to see Anne get the recognition she deserves, and on behalf of all of the MS Society and community I'd like to thank Anne for all the support she has offered over the years.

"We simply couldn't do what we do without our hard working, dedicated volunteers."

Two other Borderers were championed by the Queen this New Year.

Dr John Calum Macdonald Gillies from Selkirk has been awarded an Order of the British Empire for services to General Practice.

Dr Gillies is the former chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland.

Lady Rose Maureen Crossman has also been awarded an Order of the British Empire. Lady Crossman is president of the Berwick RNLI Fundraising Guild. She was honoured for voluntary services to Maritime Safety.

Praising Scots recognised in the New Year's Honours, David Mundell MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland said: "I would like to warmly congratulate every one of the recipients.

"They come from all walks of life but they all have one thing in common; they are shining examples of the brilliance and distinctiveness of Scotland and its people."