Sefton librarian has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's 2022 New Years Honours list

A Sefton librarian has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's 2022 New Years Honours list.

Lesley Davies, a hugely popular staff member at Crosby Library and community champion of the public library service, has rightly been recognised in the honours for her years of dedication and commitment to her role.

Originally starting out as a library assistant in 1995, Lesley, 58, has spent the last 26 years serving the communities of Sefton, eventually becoming the local authority's Senior Development Manager for Libraries.

Having worked closely with dozens of local and regional groups to deliver a whole host of events and workshops for people of all ages, Lesley's efforts were rewarded after the Arts Council England put her forward for the 2022 New Years Honours.

Lesley said she was overjoyed but stunned at the news, adding that the honour is a reflection on her team and colleagues who she works with day to day.

She said: "I thought it was a joke at first! To be honest, I am a little embarrassed as I work with such amazing people - this is more of a reflection of their work rather than me as an individual.

"My family were naturally thrilled - my mum cried and my children were really proud and I am still waiting for it to sink in! I would like to thank those who nominated me and I am humbled that our library projects have been recognised at such a level.

"Each new project we do in the Libraries team is a wonderful opportunity to help our residents of all ages and this role has allowed me to make an abundance of memories and lifelong friends along the way."

Dwayne Johnson, Chief Executive of Sefton Council, said: "Lesley is a fantastic champion of both our Libraries service and Sefton Council as a whole.

"We are all delighted, although not surprised, that she has been recognised in the New Years Honours and I am sure everyone will join me in congratulating Lesley for all of her hard work and dedication to our communities."

Lesley will be presented with the British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside before attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

To find out more about library services in Sefton, visit www.sefton.gov.uk/libraries.