Margaret Paisley, who manages the college's residential facilities and students' union, said it was 'a bolt out of the blue' when she learned that she was to receive an MBE for services to further education in Fife.

She'll find out within the next few months when her investiture will take place — and will be given five weeks' notice so that she has plenty of time to choose a hat for the occasion!

A former pupil of Bell Baxter High School, 55-year-old Margaret began working at Elmwood in 1978, shortly after its opening.

It's her job to manage the residential facilities, which accommodate more than 70 students, as well as the college coffee shop.

She said: "Elmwood has changed dramatically over the years, but I have always enjoyed working here and looking after the students' welfare.

"I tend to remember all their names and nowadays I sometimes meet students whose parents met while they were here!

"It was a bolt out of the blue hearing about the MBE but it's also very exciting."

Elmwood principal Jim Crooks said: "We are very proud of Margaret's achievement and we are glad to see her effort being recognised in this way."

Read more in the Fife Herald.