A CIRENCESTER resident has been recognised with a British Citizen Award for Services to the Community.

Lauraine Cheesman, started the group Shine, a programme to support women suffering from Post-natal depression after having herself suffered from it and anxiety.

Such is the lonely and isolating nature of the condition, after the recovery Lauraine had a passion to help others and worked hard to publicise the illness and help people learn more.

Due to the success of the group, welfare officers and healthcare professionals in the community often refer patients to Lauraine's courses, often at an early stage.

Through the course and social networking, Shine has provided much comfort to women affected by the condition.

Speaking about her nomination, Lauraine said: “When I received the news I was utterly blown away, it meant so much to realise that one of our Shine mummies had valued her time at shine so much that she had secretly orchestrated this nomination with some other mums.

"I feel so touched and honoured, to have the knowledge that something I am so passionate about doing really is making such a positive impact, and encourages me to keep Shining into the future."

Lauraine is one of 29 medallists who was honoured at a prestigious ceremony on Thursday, July 5, at the Palace of Westminster.

Each winner received a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’.

The British Citizen Awards were launched in January 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.

The awards are sponsored by the world’s largest optical retailer, Specsavers.

It takes place twice annually, and recognises ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.