A PORT Glasgow woman has been honoured with a British Empire Award for extraordinary acts of kindness while working in higher education.

Former forensics officer Elizabeth Doherty was recognised by the Queen in the New Years Honours list and was recently presented with the medal at a ceremony in Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.

In her role as a receptionist at Ulster University the 57-year-old has made a massive impact on campus life with students, staff and visitors.

When her award was announced the uni was flooded with messages from wellwishers.

Following her honour she came home to show her medal to her proud family including mum Jean and dad Daniel.

Modest Elizabeth, who grew up in Pleasantside Avenue, said: "My mum and dad were just so proud.

"I was really looking forward to getting home to show it to them, all my family stay in Port Glasgow.

"They couldn't come over for the presentation because of Covid but luckily my niece from Port Glasgow was visiting and came with me, so my family was represented.

"I am really shocked and I can't quite believe I am now a member of the British Empire.

"I am really touched that people though it necessary to go to this trouble to honour me in this way, for doing my job.

"I love my job on the reception but I think I am a counsellor as well.

"I am always telling people to remember their cards - I feel like I tell everyone off but people say it is the way I tell them off that makes the difference!"

Former St Stephen's High pupil Elizabeth left Port Glasgow to work in forensics in London before ending up in Northern Ireland, where she took on a role as a receptionist in Ulster University 15 years ago.

She immediately loved her new life in the country, settling in the small village of Kilwaughter, and says it reminds her of home in Port Glasgow.

On announcing Elizabeth's honour Ulster University said it was in recognition of the way she made everyone who walked through the door feel valued, remembering names, faces and information as well as welcoming each individual.

Professor Martin Haran said: "Elizabeth has the patience of a saint and is always helpful."

Others spoke of her kindness and the way she conducted herself.

Elizabeth also devotes her life outside work to rescuing animals.

She said: "I love living in the country out of the way and then going to Belfast for the city life.

"Northern Ireland reminds me very much of Port Glasgow.

"I think it is the people, the people of Northern Ireland are lovely.

"There is also the weather, it is pretty similar as well and the scenery.

"I love rescuing animals and have two donkeys, cats, dogs, goats, chickens and ducks."