An "inspiring" volunteer who gave more than 30 years of service to her role as a Governor at a Huntingdonshire school has been given an award.

Madeleine Jackson, who was on the board at Abbey College, in Ramsey, served as a Governor for 31 years and the Chair of Governors for 25 years.

She left her role in the summer, but at an awards night on November 1, she was presented with the Hadge Yeandle Community Volunteer Award at Abbey College.

Madeleine Jackson was one of the volunteers awarded on November 1.Madeleine Jackson was one of the volunteers awarded on November 1. (Image: Abbey College) The award was developed by the Rotary in Ramsey club in honour of one of its founding members, Henry Squire Yeandle, affectionately known as "Hadge" by his friends.

He died in 2023, prompting the Rotary Club to set up an award in memory of his work and legacy.

More than 30 guests gathered to hear about volunteering work in the Ramsey community and see Madeleine Jackson win the award.

Three independent judges selected the overall 2024 winner. They chose Madeleine for the volunteering work she has done to make sure that the young people of Ramsey, and the wider catchment, have had the best education possible.

Madeleine said that she was both "humbled and thrilled" to have won the award. 

She added: "Serving as a Governor for 31 years and Chair of Governors for 25 years has been a privilege.

"To be recognised in this way by my local community has been the most wonderful surprise. It is the greatest honour and I thank everyone, including the family of ‘Hedge’, for making this possible."

Lisa Williamson, the New Chair of Governors at Abbey College was among the attendees, and said: "We are very grateful for Madeleine’s tireless commitment to Abbey College. She has made a lasting impact on our school community, and this award is richly deserved."

Abbey College Headteacher, Andy Christoforou, said that Madeleine is "inspiring".