THE leader of Castle Point Council Pam Challis was shocked to hear she had been named in the list. The Conservative politician has been appointed an OBE for her services to local government in south east Essex.

As well as her role as council leader, the retired business woman also chairs four regeneration bodies including the Essex Partnership, a county wide strategic group and the Audit Committee of Thames Gateway South Essex.

On top of that, the 73-year-old grandmother of six is also chairman of governors at Robert Drake Primary School, in Thundersley, a member of the board of governors for Southend Hospital and Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership, a role that gives her a regular audience with government ministers.

She said: “I am still in shock, but I am deeply honoured. To receive such a prestigious award is beyond anything I ever dreamed of. Since becoming leader of the council my main aim has been to promote Castle Point, not just as a name, but to encourage regeneration money into the borough and new businesses.”