A SOUTH Harrow pharmacist has said she is “absolutely thrilled” to receive an MBE in the New Year's Honours.

Lila Thakerar was named on the honours list for her service to the Harrow community through her Shaftesbury Pharmacy in Shaftesbury Parade.

She opened the shop in 1993 with the aim of creating a “community hub” that would be more than just a pharmacy but a public health service.

On receiving the award, she said: “Words can hardly describe how honoured and I am to be recognised in this way.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that an ordinary community pharmacist, just helping people in need could be recognised in this way.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and want to thank everyone who has supported me and made my work possible.”

Her pharmacy has become the hub she dreamed of, with consultation rooms, pregnancy testing, help to quit smoking, and drug treatment programmes.

Ms Thakerar also gives out advice on the health services available, and runs a free taxi service to help frail patients get to hospital or a health centre.

Born in Fiji, Ms Thakerar qualified as a pharmacist in 1979 and shortly afterwards moved to the UK.

She dedicates some of her free time to charity work, including with the Lions Club International where she is a charter vice president.