AN ABERGELE Rangers leader was recognised in the New Year Honours List for 40 years of voluntary work with children with special needs.
Deborah Laraine Roberts, aged 55, who lives in Rhydyfoel, has been appointed MBE for services to young people in Conwy after leading the 8th Llandudno (Gogarth) Rangers for 36 years.
“Most of our pupils are ex-members of Ysgol Gogarth, and we carry out the guides programme, the Duke of Edinburgh award and the Queen’s Guide award,” she said.
“15 of our girls have got the gold accreditation, and we’ve taken them to places like France, Switzerland, the United States and Mexico.
“I started after doing the Duke of Edinburgh myself, and it just gave me such a buzz really. They’re great girls, and I just really enjoy working with them.”
Deborah, who is also the head of maths at Ysgol Creuddyn in Penrhyn Bay, said it was a strange feeling to receive recognition for something she enjoys doing, and thanked her parents for their support in her voluntary efforts.
“It’s a weird feeling to be honest, it’s something I enjoy so much.
“I feel proud for my mother really. My parents have always supported me, and nobody can do anything on their own, you have to know that somebody is there to support you. I’m really pleased.”