A CREDITON woman has been honoured with the highest form of recognition from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).

The former President of Crediton and District Lions Club Ann Whitehouse was presented with the surprise honour by the recently-installed President Eric Parkes.

Eric thanked Ann for her service to the club and the community and Ann was shocked when he revealed the honour, The Melvin Jones Fellowship, which is given to honour dedicated humanitarian service.

He presented her with a commemorative plaque, a special lapel pin and a congratulatory letter from the Lions Clubs International Foundation chairperson.

Reading from the letter with the honour, Eric said to Ann: “Because of you, we are making a difference in the lives of so many people.

“Through LCIF funding, we are fighting diabetes, preventable blindness, childhood cancer and more. We are feeding the hungry, responding to natural disasters, empowering young people for success and protecting the environment.

“With support from our global foundation, Lions are making a difference in the world and changing lives for the better.

“Wear your Melvin Jones Fellowship lapel pin with pride. It represents your commitment to humanitarian service to the highest degree. Thank you for your continued dedication and support of LCIF.”

The Melvin Jones Fellowship was created in 1973 and takes its name from the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones.

Ann thanked Eric and the Club members for the surprise honour and said she would continue to serve the club and community.

The presentation took place at an event held at the home of Lion Peter Bryan MJF and Mrs Margaret Bryan.

Ann handed the President’s chain of office to Eric Parkes, who explained that he had held the position of president on many numerous occasions and was an MJF recipient in 1996.

Installed Lions at the event were Derrick Hamlin and Vlad Koval.