A CRIME-fighting pensioner whose dedication to Neighbourhood Watch ensured her village became one of the safest in the county has been presented with an MBE.

By Danielle Nuttall

A CRIME-fighting pensioner whose dedication to Neighbourhood Watch ensured her village became one of the safest in the county has been presented with an MBE.

Pam Smith, from Ringshall, near Needham Market, co-ordinated the village's Neighbourhood Watch group for 15 years - heading out on her cycle at 6.30am every morning to ensure nothing had been vandalised.

The 72-year-old, who has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, was presented with an MBE for her achievements yesterday by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lord Tollemache.

More than 100 friends, family, villagers and police officers attended the special ceremony at Ringshall community hall, where she was presented with her medal.

“It was nice and I feel very proud. I know people appreciate it now,” she said.

“I used to bike up the village hall, the school and the phone box to make sure they hadn't been vandalised every morning at 6.30am. If I didn't bike, I would walk.

“If something happened in another village, I used to get it written down and photocopied and took it round to all my watchers.

“I keep my ears and eyes open. I look after the elderly and make sure they are all right and if they want shopping I will take them.”

Mrs Smith became deputy co-ordinator two years ago and still plays an active role in deterring criminals from the village,

“The village is still safe. We don't get much trouble here,” she said.

“I don't know whether they think: 'She's about, we better not come out'.

“I know most of the police by first name. When I used to phone for them, they would come straight out. They've been very good to me.”

danielle.nuttall@eadt.co.uk