MILLAND’S scribe extraordinaire, Val Porter, was recently presented with a ‘Freedom of the Parish’ certificate by parish council chairman Jeremy Parker.

The scroll reads: “We the council make this grant of the highest honour that we can bestow in recognition of 37 years service to the community of Milland, especially a chairman of the council, councillor and parish clerk and chairman of Borden Village Hall.

“We recognise your outstanding work as author of volumes of local history and of the Milland Neighbourhood Development Plan, as well as editor of the Milland Valley News and co-ordinator of the Milland Rural Fair.

“We applaud your devotion to the parish and extend our grateful thanks for your most valuable service to the community.”

Val – pictured receiving her scroll from Mr Parker – has been, and still is, a powerhouse for change and the development of the village.