Well done to Rachel Hayes for being awarded the British Empire Medal

Massive congratulations to Knowstone villager Rachel Hayes who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. This was in recognition of her work helping an increasing number of women become involved and succeed in the renewable energy sector.

Rachel is head of membership and events at Regen, an independent not for profit company that works to promote renewables.

In 2013 she set up the Entrepreneurial Women in Renewables Network, which supports more than 500 women in the sector.