AN Alveston woman has been to Windsor Castle to collect her MBE from the Queen.

Jane Smith, 66, was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her 25-year service to local prisons as a member of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for Eastwood Park Detention Centre, Falfield.

An IMB acts as a public watchdog for the prison system ensuring that prisoners are treated decently and humanely.

Mrs Smith, who is also vice-president of the Severnvale Flower Club, was named for the award as part of the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List but only recently travelled to Windsor to collect the prestigious accolade.

On receiving the award Mrs Smith said: "I owe my award to the unstinting commitment of the other members of the Board and to the unwavering support I have received from the prison officers of Eastwood Park."

Mrs Smith became a member of the IMB for Eastwood Park Detention Centre 25 years ago and when the prison closed in the early 90s, she joined the board at Pucklechurch Remand Centre.

In 1996, when Eastwood Park reopened as a women's prison, Mrs Smith travelled on the bus with the first group of prisoners sent there.

Over the years, and a sign of her commitment to the role, Mrs Smith has dedicated many hours to visiting the prison, speaking with officers and prisoners and is well respected by the Eastwood Prison community.

During her 25 years on the IMB Mrs Smith has held the office of chairman twice and also deputy chairman.

Mrs Smith is no stranger to awards, as last December she was named volunteer of the year by the Avon and Somerset Criminal Justice Board.

The award was given as part of the Justice Awards 2008, which recognised the achievements of individuals for the local Criminal Justice System.

Mrs Smith was accompanied to Windsor Castle by her husband David and her daughters Victoria and Alexandra who watched her receive her MBE from the Queen.