A local reporter received recognition for her work in the community at the recent Annual Town Meeting in Petersfield.

Julie Butler from Shine Radio was presented a Mayor’s Award by Mayor Cllr Lesley Farrow, for her work with dementia care, Speedwatch and the Radio.

After leaving her position as a district councillor, Julie wanted to carry on working with the community and the award is evidence of her involvement and hard-work.

Speaking to the Petersfield Post, Julie said the award came as a “complete surprise”, and according to her colleague Mike Waddington, she blushed!

“I was actually lost for words, for the first time in my life!” Julie said.

“It is such a lovely thing to be recognised and there's so many people out there that do such wonderful things.

“So many people have been volunteering with me and I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if all these people around me weren't doing what they're doing.”

Going into more detail about her community work, Julie explained how she has always been passionate about dementia, stemming back to her time as a district councillor and when her mother-in-law was diganosed. Today, she is a volunteer with local dementia charities, including Dementia Friendly Petersfield.

After seeing the speeding problems at Durford Road, and the efforts from residents to do something about it, Julie set up Speedwatch during her time as a councillor. The group is still going strong with Julie as an active member.

Commenting on her Shine Radio work, Julie said: “It was one of those things that I was not expecting to even take to it. I thought, ‘I'll give it a go and see how I get on.’

“I really didn't think I would be quite as involved in it as I am now and it really helped me get back into working with the community again.”