A solicitor who has helped victims of crime in her spare time for 20 years accepted an award from the Queen.

Shelley Deutsch, 54, from Ongar, volunteers for Victim Support, which she represented at the annual Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at St James’ Palace in London, along with the charity's chief executive Javed Khan.

The mother-of-three said: “It was an absolute honour to meet Her Majesty in the week of her own coronation celebrations at a time when I was celebrating my own anniversary with Victim Support.

“I was very lucky to have been chosen to represent so many other volunteers who like me are committed to helping people recover from the effects of crime.”

She first got involved with the charity after she was a victim of burglary at her old home in Redbridge.

She has spoken to and supported hundreds of victims of crimes including sexual offences, burglary, assault, theft and domestic violence.

She fits volunteering around her job as a solicitor for the Crown Prosecution Service, prosecuting defendants at Chelmsford and Harlow magistrates’ courts.

She said: “A lot of people either don't want to burden their own friends and family with the effects a crime has had on them or they have no one to turn to.

“After I've spoken to or visited a victim of crime, they are always so grateful for the help, support and advice I've given them.

“I suppose that's why I've done it for so long. You really feel like you make someone's life better.”

Sheelagh Jarrett, manager of Victim Support in Bourne Court, Woodford Green, where Mrs Deutsch volunteers, said: “Shelley is a more than deserving volunteer. “She is always giving of her time and because of her vast experience, is always very supportive of newer volunteers.”