THE founder of Halesowen's Hope Centre Camilla Phillips has been awarded an MBE for services to the community in the New Year's Honours list.

This is the latest accolade for the centre which was founded by Wendy Riley and Camilla in January 2010 after the Lighthouse Project was disbanded in 2009.

All 27 volunteers at the centre won the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2014, which saw the ladies visit Buckingham Palace.

This time the MBE has been given to Ms Phillips for her work at the centre.

The 57-year-old said: "I am feeling overwhelmed and humbled.

"It is all down to the volunteers they are amazing."

She added: "Without the team at The Hope Centre, especially Wendy Riley, the place would not be able to do what it does and serve so many with love.

"Our desire is to reflect Jesus in all we do to serve others with love, compassion.

"The Hope centre believes the individual people are not clients, not numbers but they are family, we work with people not for them, people know what they need, they know their dreams but many are lost and do not know how to get there.

"We come alongside as family, we love as family and serve as family, we don't give up and we do not encourage dependency on us we encourage personal growth, confidence and life-changing decisions."

The centre provides help with CVs, art classes, food, counselling, education and a whole raft of other practical services which visitors require.

Belle Vale councillor Ian Cooper praised the work Ms Phillips has done in the community.

He said: "At a time when there is justifiable cynicism about why certain politicians, funders of political parties and various hangers on get awards for ‘services rendered’, it is really heartening that someone has been recognised for years of selfless service to the community.

"This should be the true purpose of an honours list, if it is to have an relevance in the 21st century."

He added: "I have known Camilla since the days of the Lighthouse Centre – she has never asked for anything for herself but instead has worked ceaselessly for those who are struggling to get by.

"This well deserved recognition will spur the Hope Centre to many more years valuable service to the community."

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris said: "I was delighted to hear that Camilla's dedication and hard work had been recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours.

"The Hope Centre in particular is a lifeline for so many in Halesowen and it's success would not have been possible without the commitment of Camilla, Wendy and all the volunteers who work at the centre."