Prince Charles has presented Wells resident Karen Deverell with an MBE at Windsor Castle for services to children in mid-Somerset.

She worked with the YMCA in Mendip for 25 years and rose to become their chief executive. Now she is a foster mother and a highly valued member of the Wells Community Network.

More than 50 of her friends, family and former YMCA colleagues gathered in the Swan Hotel to celebrate her award.

There were five speeches paying tribute to Karen. They praised her as "A beacon of light in the darkness" who had a huge "positive effect on the lives of the most vulnerable in our community."

The letters K A R E N spelt Kind, Approachable, Reliable, Empathic and Natural.