A tea expert from Tooting has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year's Honours list.

Jane Pettigrew, 66, is one of the country's leading authorities on tea, its production and history, and is to be recognised for her services to the industry.

December 30: Wandsworth councillor to become MBE in New Year's Honours list

December 31: New Year's Honours for two Wandsworth councillors who make borough "better place"

Ms Pettigrew started her working life as a teacher before running the Tea Time Tea Shop in Clapham for six years during the 1980s.

During her time at the shop, she wrote a recipe book called Tea Time, which brought her to the attention of several hotels, who hired her as a consultant, putting a new face to traditional afternoon tea.

Ms Pettigrew said: "I was a language and communications teacher, teaching all ages, English and French.

"I was talking to some friends who knew the building in Clapham, so we decided to open the tea room.

"People thought we were completely mad.

"It was a time when people did not really go out to tea.

"Our first day, we were completely packed and we used to have queues every weekend.

"I thought I better start learning about tea."

Ms Pettigrew has been teaching in the UK and America for 10 years and will be opening her own UK Tea Academy at the end of the month.

She said: "We are teaching at different levels, dependent on how much students need to know.

"Those working in a coffee shop or tea room only need the basics, but people who want to can take it further.

"They can say they are a UK Tea Academy graduate."

Graduates of the Tea Academy will receive certification, putting tea on the same level as coffee training for baristas, according to Ms Pettigrew.

Speaking about the BEM, Ms Pettigrew said: "I was very surprised.

"I thought 'Wow, this is really nice.'

"I do this because it is my job and I love it.

"It has taken me on a huge adventure."

Since 1995, she has been a contributor to Tea and Coffee World Journal, and a contributing editor to Teatime magazine.

She has also been involved with the Tea and Coffee Museum and been a judge for the Tea Council.