New Year Honour for Harrow pharmacist Lila Thakerar

A pharmacist who has worked in north-west London for 27 years has been appointed MBE in the New Year Honours.

Lila Thakerar, 57, from Harrow, said she was "hysterical" when she opened the letter informing her of the accolade.

She admitted she had been "naughty" and had told a handful of family members about the honour, because she was so excited.

Her involvement in long-running campaigns to help smokers kick the habit and allow drug users access to clean needles were among the reasons for her appointment as MBE, she said.