DEDICATED Kidderminster councillor Fran Oborski has been recognised for her four decades of public service with an MBE.

Councillor Oborski, who was first elected in Wyre Forest in 1973, was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s list for political and public service.

It’s been an eventful week for the 69-year-old who also confirmed that she has left the Liberal Party to rejoin the Liberal Democrats, who she left in 1996.

Councillor Oborski said: “It is a fantastic honour; I'm still pinching myself to make sure I am awake!

“The MBE recognises my 42 years service as a Councillor in Wyre Forest but, from my point of view, it is also recognition of the wonderful team who over all these years have delivered leaflets and letters, canvassed, addressed and labelled envelopes, stuffed those envelopes and campaigned on local issues with me.

“It would also never have happened without the wonderful community on the east of Kidderminster, particularly in Offmore and Comberton who have placed their trust in me and continued to re-elect me over all those years.

“I am truly grateful to them all and hope to go on serving them for as long as possible.”

On her return to the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Oborski said: “It is absolutely vital Britain has a vibrant and campaigning party prepared to stand up for the most marginalised in society and one that fights to protect human rights.

“This is especially important as we have a Conservative Government already lurching to the Right and threatening to trample on civil liberties.

“I believe the Liberal Democrats are best-placed to lead a progressive politics in this country and I call on all Liberals, currently outside the party, to join me.”

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed Councillor Oborski back to the party she left almost two decades ago.

Liberal Democrat President Sal Brinton said: “When I joined the Liberal Party back in 1974 Fran was one of our best grass roots campaigners and a newly elected councillor, practicing what she believed in.

“Over four decades she has never wavered from her liberal and community campaigning. “I am delighted to welcome her back into the Liberal Democrat fold and thrilled she was been recognised for her dedication to her local area with an MBE.”

Clare Cassidy, Chairman of Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats said: “It will be good to be again in the same party as Fran Oborski.

“The Liberal Democrats were right to be the only party wholly opposed to the Iraq invasion and now are making a firm stand on civil liberties.

“We face a difficult referendum on UK membership of the European Union and the Liberal Democrats are the only party in favour of staying in.

“It is time for all Liberals to unite to fight for their key beliefs.”