Keynsham woman awarded MBE from the Queen after fostering more than 100 children

A woman from Keynsham who has fostered more than 100 children has been awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace.

Andrea Hider, known as Andy, travelled to London on Tuesday 3 March to get the special recognition award from the Queen.

She was nominated by her son, for her incredible service to the community.

• WATCH: The moment Andy was given her MBE by the Queen

• Foster care in the West Country is in crisis

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Andy started fostering in 1985 and has since provided a loving home for more than 100 children.

She has long been a huge fan of the Queen, too, even writing and receiving a letter from her in 1956.

A D-Day veteran from Cornwall was also appointed an MBE by the Queen.

Harold ‘Harry’ Billinge, from St Austell, was presented with the honour and said he accepted the award in memory of those “who never came back”.

Mr Billinge was just 18-years-old when he landed on Gold Beach on June 6, 1944.