Thelma Rutland, of Abbey Path, was in her teens when she worked on farms in the Midlands and at a market garden and has now received a medal and certificate from the Prime Minister to mark her efforts.

She is among a number of Land Girls to be honoured after the government said surviving members of the Women's Land Army would be formally recognised.

And Thelma is now keen to meet other Land Army girls in the area who have been honoured.

Thelma said, "We've waited so long for this. At long last we've been recognised."

Thelma admitted her time working with the animals wasn't as successful as she might have hoped.

She said, "I tried to milk a cow but I couldn't get a drop out of it!
"In the end I was moved to the dairy to make butter and cheese.

"It was great fun — I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

After the war, Thelma, who was born in Wolverhampton, enjoyed a nomadic working life and spent time in the Netherlands and France.

She spent time working as a dental nurse, looked after children, worked in shops and as a receptionist in hotels.

Any other local Land Army girls can get in contact with Thelma on 840263.