A woman advocating for travellers in Dorset has been recognised in the New Year Honours list. 

Betty Smith-Billington, chair of Dorset traveller advocacy group Kushti Bok, said it is a "great honour" to be awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the gypsy and traveller community. 

Working closely with Dorset Police and the county’s two councils, Betty has brought better understanding of the traveller way of life in Dorset. 

She said: “It’s really a great honour and feels so good to get recognised, but it’s also is good for the gypsy and traveller community to be recognised. 

“Several already have MBEs and OBEs, it’s not a new thing, but there are not many of us who have been recognised. 

“But this just says to people that we are not the stereotype that people say we are and we do do a lot for the community.  

“We are just normal people: my father served in the Royal Marines, and people say we don’t do anything for the country, but we do.” 

Meanwhile, Samuel James Braddick, of Gillingham, has been made a MBE. He has been recognised for his services to the local community. 

Mr Braddick is former secretary of the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show and oversaw more than 20 shows.