An Ealing woman who has been teaching women skills in the borough for 25 years has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) as part of the New Year Honours.

Noushabeh Pakpour-Samari was among the honours for her services to the Ladies Creative Centre and the community in Ealing.

She was given the BEM, after she founded the Lady's Creative Centre, in Haven Green, in 1990.

READ MORE:See the full list of New Year Honour recipients from west London here

Mrs Pakpour-Samari, now in her early 80s, said of the award: "I was very excited when I got the letter and I could not believe it. I'm just in shock.

"From Iran I had skills and I came to this country to teach them. Everybody has talent in their life but it is not always found out.

"I am full of energy, we have been teaching classes from cooking to martial arts and tai chi."

She moved to Ealing from Iran in 1969 bringing with her a wealth of skills which prompted her to also set up creative writing, art and children's activity workshops.

LCC has also played host to social gatherings and outings, fund raising events and exhibitions.

She decided to set up the LCC, Haven Green, in a bid to unearth the talents of local woman, many from war-torn backgrounds.

Cousin Ron Dahesh, who works at the Caspian Hotel in Ealing, praised Mrs Pakpour-Samari for being a "wonderful lady".

He said: "She is a wonderful lady and she has been helping the community for the last 45 years.

"She deserves the award because she is a wonderful, dedicated person to the community and to society.

"All her life she has dedicated her life to give."