A life-long Soham girl and member of the town council for 27 years received a Pride of Soham award for her long service.

Former Soham south councillor Peggy Gibbon - who was born and married in the town - retired earlier this year after turning 90 in January.

Peggy, who was first elected to the council in 1991, was awarded a certificate, flowers and a box of chocolate by Soham Town Council chairman Rosemary Aitchison at Lily House in Ely on June 11.

Dee Marshall, Soham Town Council clerk, said: “Peggy is a very long-standing council member.

“She was always elected by the residents of Soham and her husband Derek had been the clerk previously.

“She loved being on the planning committee because she knew everything about everything historically – a real mine of useful information.

“She was also heavily involved in the Soham branch of the Royal British Legion as well as the town’s over 60s club.

“She’d regularly organise local talks from guest speakers too and was a volunteer at the museum.

“She’d been with the council for 27 years – most people don’t even work that long. She was such a useful member of the committee because she historically knew everything there was to know about Soham.

“She’s missed by us at the council very much but we hope she enjoys her well deserved retirement.”