A WOMAN, originally from Abergele, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for outstanding community liaison work for the RAF.

Gillian Angel has been recognised in the New Year Honours 2021 for services to Royal Air Force personnel and their families.

She worked as the Community Development Officer at RAF Sealand, near Queensferry, Flintshire and when the base closed moved to RAF Scampton near Lincoln.

RAF Scampton is the current home of the Red Arrows display team and was the war time base for 617 Squadron, the Dambusters.

Gillian, whose parents, Mr and Mrs Emrys Evans still live in Abergele, is a former pupil of Ysgol Glan Morfa, Ysgol Glan Clwyd and also studied at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea.

Before working the RAF she was employed as a secretary by the North Wales Police Force.

Gillian said: “When I was told of the award I was quite shocked, happily shocked. It has taken some time for the news to sink in.

"It is wonderful to be recognised for doing the job which I love.

"All my friends and the families on the base who have learned about the award, have rung me to say how delighted they are.”

Gillian works liaising and supporting RAF families and has been instrumental in securing funding for a new youth hub and a community centre for the families.

Her duties also include liaising with the local community.