A diplomat has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours list for her role in the King's coronation.

Sarah Lingard, who has lived in Royston since 2012, works for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and was head of events for the Foreign Office's royal and coronation unit, as well as deputy UK Commonwealth envoy from 2019 to 2023.

She was awarded an OBE under the Overseas and International List for services to British foreign policy and the coronation.

After reading social and political sciences at Girton College, Cambridge, Sarah worked in the charitable and not-for-profit health sector and entered the civil service in 2008.

She worked for the Cabinet Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport before transferring to the Diplomatic Service.

Sarah, who has three children, said: "Until 1973 women had to leave the Diplomatic Service if they married.

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"Thankfully times have changed and there are now a good number of female serving career diplomats."

Speaking about receiving her OBE, she added: "I feel humbled and deeply appreciative of some wonderful individuals and colleagues who have supported and sustained me over many years.

"The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does remarkable work every day across the world, and it continues to be an honour to serve in the organisation."