Pam Ross has been awarded a British Empire Medal for an incredible record of voluntary work stretching back 40 years.
She began helping the Samaritans as well as the social work department shortly after moving to Elgin in 1974.
The following year, she joined the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, later taking over the role of its manger of its emergency services for more than a decade.
She also organised local shops to remain open late especially for disabled and elderly customers – a service which continued for 25 years until supermarkets were allowed to extend their hours.
Her long list of various activities also include starting the parents teachers association at New Elgin Primary School, driving for the local meals on wheels service and being on the steering committee of the Chanonry Road men’s hostel.
Now aged 74, she continues her involvement in local matters as chairman of the Elgin branch of the Alzheimer’s support group.
In addition, she is the secretary of the Greyfriars Club, which helps adults with learning difficulties, and is also a committee member of the Moray Retirement Group, which keeps in touch with members who are unwell or in hospital.
Speaking about the award, she said: “I’m not usually phased by things, but when I received the letter telling me about the award, I had to read it about 10 times before I finally took it in.
“It’s a great honour but it seems so strange to get an award for something I enjoy doing.
“I’ve met some fantastic people over the years by volunteering and many of them are still friends.”
Her trip to Buckingham Palace later in the year will not be the first time Mrs Ross has rubbed shoulders with royalty.
In recognition of her voluntary work she was invited to St James Palace two years ago to meet Prince Charles and Camilla.