A "linchpin" of Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce who has been involved with the organisation for almost 50 years has been named honorary president at a surprise celebration event.
Heather Thirtle, the current president, received the honour from Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing who presented the accolade on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce at the Civic Offices in Epping.
Dame Eleanor, who is patron of Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce, said: "I was delighted to be asked to present the award to Heather who has been a lynchpin of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce for decades.
"Heather's name and that of the organisation have gone hand in hand and between them they continue to provide a networking focus for businesses across the Epping Forest district."
