A 92-YEAR-OLD who still volunteers on a community railway line after more than 60 years has been recognised with an MBE from the Queen.

Despite her great age, Iris Horn still runs the station at Stogumber, on the West Somerset Railway, where staff put forward her nomination.

Mrs Horn, whose late husband Harry was a signalman on the line, said: "I was more than surprised when I discovered I had been put forward for this honour – I was amazed, particularly as I and my late husband have always regarded our interest in railways and in particular the West Somerset Railway, as a most enjoyable and interesting part of our lives.

"I would like to sincerely thank everyone who made this honour possible and I hope it will remind people what a marvellous little railway line the West Somerset Railway is.

"I married a railway signalman when I was 20 and in 1948 we went to the railway station at Bishops Lydeard. We later transferred to Williton and we lived in the station house for over 70 years. It's been remarkable that the West Somerset Railway line survived, but I know this has been due to the support and work of so many volunteers and the public.

"The railway has remained popular because everyone associated with it is so friendly and helpful and I believe the magic of steam trains will always be an attraction, whether you are young or old."

Paul Conibeare, general manager at the railway association, said Mrs Horn was often on the site seven days a week in peak periods.

He added: "The whole railway is delighted that she has been honoured. At 92, she's still fit and active and is always there to greet our customers at the station. I hope we're all as well as her when we reach her age. It's a wonderful achievement."

Mr Conibeare described Mrs Horn as "formidable – in the nicest possible sense". He said: "She runs a tight ship, which is exactly what we need."

Also recognised for his selfless dedication to the community was William Reed, who was a stalwart of a whole host of organisations in Lyme Regis until his site faded a year ago. The 87-year-old lost an eye in the Normandy landings, and moved to Dorset after the war. There, he worked for more than 30 years at the store Colebys of Lyme, and dedicated his free time to fundraising for the Royal British Legion, Lyme Regis Parish Church and the Joseph Weld Hospice, as well as the football club, the sports centre and the Get Together Club, which offers a chance for older people to socialise.

He said he was overwhelmed by the number of people who had nominated him. "I'm absolutely over the moon," he said.