THE unofficial queen of an Oxford estate has been recognised by genuine royalty with the award of an MBE.

Post office stalwart Hemlata Gandhi, known universally to her loyal customers as Hema, is the talk of the Risinghurst estate after being included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Far from letting the title go to her head, Mrs Gandhi, 56, said the recognition had come completely out of the blue, but shows that people do take notice of the little things in life.

She added: “A few years ago some of the customers said something should be done to recognise all that I do but I didn’t hear any more.

“It was a complete shock and surprise when I heard.

“I think a lot of people assume you have to be a big fish to get this sort of recognition, that it only goes to famous actors or sports stars.

“But I think this shows you can make a difference in little ways.

“I am sure there are a lot more people who are worthier than me but I’m so grateful for everyone in the community who put my name forward.”

Along with husband Mahesh, Mrs Ghandi has run the post office and shop in Downside Road since 1991.

Her ties to the post office go back even further after she used to help her father at his own branch when she was a teenager.

Risinghurst has had a post office since the 1940s, when the estate was first built, and the Gandhis are the third, and now longest serving, owners.

They have kept going while a dozen other nearby branches have closed, a fact the couple put down to keeping up with the latest trends and hard work.

Husband Mahesh praised his wife’s ability to move with the times as he congratulated her for being awarded the MBE.

He said: “She has given such great service to the community for so long.

“Everyone knows her and we have had so many nice messages since the news was announced.

“She has built it up from strength to strength while all the others around us have closed down.

“We have survived because we have changed with the times. She gives the customers what they want – that is the key to her success.”

Alongside her services to the post office, Mrs Ghandi was recognised for her cultural and charitable work.

The couple got involved in a Hindu mandal group which they have helped grow from 12 families to 300 who regularly meet up and celebrate festivals together.

Regular home-made collection boxes are also a staple on the counter.

Whenever anyone locally is embarking on a quest for sponsorship, the couple oblige with a tin and a touch of gentle persuasion to get customers to cough up.