A WEST Somerset woman who has taken friends to see the Northern Lights in Norway and to the top of the tallest building in the world during 25 years of global adventures has received a BEM in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Sue Shapland, of Watchet, known as ‘a good organiser’, was honoured for her voluntary service to culture and the community in the district.

She set up the Exmoor Extroverts group in 1999 after friends asked her to arrange a group trip to a performance of Phantom of the Opera, in Bristol.

The outing was such a success that Sue was asked to arrange another outing, and then another, and over the past 25 years she has she continued organising between five and eight overseas holidays and more than 30 day trips annually.

The aim of Exmoor Extroverts was to promote wellbeing among local people, particularly for the elderly and for widowers.

But now, Sue, aged 79, is to step down and is looking for somebody else to take over her travel club, which in the past quarter of a century has taken more than 1,000 people to countries including Alaska, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia, Russia, New Zealand, the Holy Land, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and much of Europe.

Sue has also raised large sums of money for the Children’s Hospice South West and provided IT equipment for schools for special needs pupils.

She said: “I do not think it has sunk in.

“I have got a big birthday coming up in the New Year so we will probably have a big family get together and no doubt celebrate it then.”

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said Sue’s ‘untiring efforts’ had touched the lives of more than 1,200 people.

The spokesperson said: “During the challenging COVID-19 era she kept in touch with her group, sending out weekly newsletters to help give her members a sense of togetherness and community through the lonely times which continues today.

“Her work has, and continues to have, a major impact on the wellbeing of the local population, especially the elderly, and her efforts have been recognised by the National Trust, Somerset County Council, and Group Travel Organising Companies.”

Bridgwater and Taunton College (BTC) principal and chief executive Andy Berry received a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list to recognise his significant contributions to the field of education and his impact on community development through innovative educational practices and partnerships.

Mr Berry said: “Receiving this CBE was both surprising and incredibly humbling.

“This honour not only reflects my beliefs in the transformative power of education but also highlights the collective efforts of our dedicated staff at BTC.

“Together, we strive to enrich lives and bolster our community through outstanding educational experiences and partnerships.”

BTC governors chairman Derek Randall said: “Andy’s unwavering dedication to enhancing student and community life through education has rightfully earned him this recognition.

“His visionary leadership and persistent drive have been instrumental in helping to advance regional economic prosperity.”