Cycling granny Jean Smith is celebrating after being made an MBE for her charity work in Essex. 

Mrs Smith, 73, of Wigboro Wick Farm, St Osyth, said: “I am absolutely gobsmacked.  It’s wonderful.” 

She has cycled all over Britain to raise funds and awareness of numerous charities. 

Mrs Smith’s pedal power has so far raised an amazing £22,773.55 for good causes. 

These include the Macmillan Nurses, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), St Helena Hospice, Clacton Hospital, Clacton Lions and the St Osyth Parish Church bells appeal. 

For the Macmillan Nurses Mrs Smith has raised £13,278.55. 

It all started in 1991 when she cycled 650 miles in just over three weeks and raised £800 for the British Olympic Team to help celebrate her 60^th birthday. 

Since then Mrs Smith, who works for the Colchester Hospital League of Friends, has clocked up 17,135.4 miles on her fundraising travels.  Before retirement she was chairman of the North East Essex Health Authority. 

“My rides are slightly different because I cannot get away from home very much.  I go to areas and cycle around,” she said.  Mrs Smith also gives talks to various groups about her different adventures. 

Of the MBE she said: “It’s made all those mountains worthwhile.”