'I can't believe it': Hull's legendary Bee Lady overjoyed as she is awarded New Year's Honour
Humble Jean Bishop says she doesn't want 2017 to end as she is awarded a BEM
She's one of Hull's most colourful and beloved characters and now she's been honoured by her country.
95-year-old Jean Bishop, better known as The Bee Lady, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to charity.
Evergreen local treasure Jean has raised £118,000 for Age UK over the last two decades, most of it while dressed in her trademark yellow and black striped costume.
The west Hull great-grandmother has captured the hearts of the city with her warmth and zest for life and the new year's honour tops a remarkable 2017 which saw her dine with the Queen and receive the Freedom of Hull.
Despite having had to keep news of her BEM top secret since she was told last month, Jean said the surprise had yet to wear off.
Hull's treasured Bee Lady enjoyed lunch in the Queen's company(Image: Katie Pugh )
"I don't think it's sunk in yet," she said. "I can't believe it really. Until I get it I can't believe it.
"It's been a lovely year and I don't want it to finish.
"I found out about it around the beginning of November when I got a letter and it said I had to keep it quiet. Only me and my son and my daughter knew about it and we had a job to keep it quiet!
"I had people coming up to me and saying 'you really deserve an honour' but I managed to keep it a secret."
Jean says of all the cherished memories the last 12 months has thrown up her birthday party, which was attended by hundreds of people, was the highlight.
And having played as big a part as anyone in the City of Culture celebrations, Jean said 2017 had been a triumph for Hull.
"I think the whole thing's been so exciting," she said. "And they've said they're going to carry it all on as well!
Jean Bishop, Hull's famous Bee Lady, celebrates her 95th birthday with a special surprise party
"I think Hull has really bucked up a lot. We've had lots of visitors who've all come and said what a grand place we have and it's rare that you hear of anyone grumbling about Hull these days.
"From seeing it years and years ago it's altered a lot, for the better."
Hull's Bee Lady Jean Bishop receives a Pride of Britain award from comedian David Walliams (Image: ITV/Daily Mirror)
Despite suffering from agonising rheumatoid arthritis, which has cut her activities slightly, Jean is desperate to continue her charity work.
"I've to give myself an extra hour to get out of bed and ready in the morning," she said.
"I'm getting a lot slower and I can't push myself like I used to. Age does catch up with you but I still think of myself as young and if I believe I can do something then I can do it.
"It's determination that keeps me going!"
