A Budleigh Salterton woman has been selected as one of the 500 official Coronation Champions, an awards scheme celebrating the work of extraordinary volunteers across the UK.

Lorraine Ralph said she is ‘thrilled’ to receive the recognition, and considers it a tribute to all the other volunteers she works with.

The awards were launched by the Royal Voluntary Service and supported by Her Majesty the Queen Consort. Each of the Champions has received an official pin badge, a signed certificate from the royal couple and an invitation to one of the official coronation celebrations. Lorraine has been invited to the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert on Sunday, May 7, and will be attending with her daughter.

She said: “It is a tremendous honour to receive this award and I wish to acknowledge the work done my fellow trustees and volunteers on Budleigh Relief in Need Charity, The Fryer Welfare and Recreational Trusts, Budleigh Community Youth Project, Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, Budleigh Runners, St Peter’s School PTA and Brixington Blues Football Club. 

“I love making a contribution to our community and helping to nurture goodwill and community spirit, where we can all look out for each other.”

Courtney Richards, a former Mayor of Budleigh Salterton, said: “I have known Lorraine for over 10 years and am a trustee of some of the charities in which she is involved.  As well as her work for local charities, Lorraine has been instrumental in setting up the Budleigh Covid Support Group to help people through the stresses of lockdown, as well as other schemes such as helping disadvantaged people in the town cope with the rising cost of energy. Her endless drive and enthusiasm continue to be a great asset to our town which is very fortunate to have such a caring person in its community.”

Lorraine is also a member of the Budleigh Salterton Lions Club. Its president Richard Allen said: "I was thrilled when she told me her news. I am so pleased for her as Lorraine exemplifies what being a Lion is all about. She gives up so much of her time for the benefit of the local community. We’re so lucky to have her as a member of our club".