AS a journalist she is a legend in her own lifetime having earned trust, respect and affection in more than half a century of reporting the news from Ashford and district.

On Tuesday veteran Kentish Express writer Barbara Olive Butcher, 85, was presented with her MBE awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours for her outstanding services to the community.

For Miss Butcher, from Wye, it comes after almost 58 years of unbroken years of finding and filing stories for this newspaper.

Her official retirement came many years ago, but she still contributes weekly both as a valued village correspondent and with stories from the groups and causes she has campaigned for and with over the decades.

As HM The Queen's official representative Lord Lieutenant Allan Willett dressed in full ceremonial uniform for the impressive investiture at Eastwell Manor watched by 30 of her closest family and friends.

Former film actress Janine Greaves read the citation outlining her remarkable contributions.

It said: "Miss Butcher has played an important role in her community, and has become a well liked local personality.

"She began her career with the Kentish Express in 1945, and is the oldest working journalist in Kent, apart from Lord Deedes of Aldington who has supported her application.

"Throughout the years Barbara has become involved in many charities and local activities and has also acted as chairman of the League of Friends of the William Harvey hospital.

"However, she gained even more respect when at the age of 83, she signed up for a sponsored bungee jump. Barbara was first in the queue to volunteer for the terrifying 200 ft drop in the Wye Charity Challenge to raise money for the Demelza House Children's Hospice.

"Alongside the support of Lord Deedes, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma reaffirmed Barbara's reliability, acknowledging her great contribution to Kent newspapers and local charities."

Before pinning on her medal the Lord Lieutenant said: "This is simply a remarkable story."

Miss Butcher said receiving the honour was appreciated particularly as it brought together friends she has known for more than half a century connected with life in Wye and Ashford who represented a few of the many organisations she has been or still is involved with.

She said: "I am specially glad to welcome Countess Mountbatten of Burma, whose wedding I reported in 1946 and who through the years has given me the opportunity to write of many of the events in the life of the Brabourne family.

"I must also mention Audrey Hull who, I discovered, was the first to put my name forward resulting in today's recognition. I am happy to have here three generations of my family including great niece Charlotte and my four great nephews ranging in age from 10 down to just three.

"In May I will complete 58 years with the Kentish Express and my colleague and friend Mike Bennett is here to record the occasion so at least I shall not have to do my own write-up."