LUNCH with the Prime Minister was a reward in itself for a Herefordshire woman who received a prestigious honour for her charitable work.

The Hereford Volunteer Centre nominated colleague Megan Bennett for a national Active Community award, which she picked up at a special ceremony in London.

The Ledbury resident was quick to stress that she had collected the award on behalf of a lot of people who had helped make the county a better place.

The retired nurse started her praiseworthy work during the Second World War when she trained at St Mary's, London, and volunteered for the Red Cross.

While working in occupational therapy, she spent her spare time teaching Girl Guides life-saving skills, canoeing and swimming.

Megan is best known in her home town as a founder member of the Council for Voluntary Service in Ledbury's Bye Street. This group has sparked many community initiatives and launched a Ring-and-Ride scheme.

Her hard work is done out of her desire to be 'helpful', the grandmother modestly said.

Dining with Tony Blair and Mo Mowlan was a chance for her to be treated like a VIP.

She said: "I was a representative of a lot of people - a symbol of what goes on. Things only happen because whole communities get involved."