HER first job was on a tripe stall in the old Huddersfield market hall.

But she lost that job – and Jo Frith vowed then that she never wanted to suffer again the distress of unemployment.

Now the former Fartown High School student, who has dedicated her career to helping people back into work, has been honoured by the Queen with an MBE.

Jo Frith was recognised in the New Year’s Honours List for her services to disadvantaged people while working as Tesco’s Regeneration Partnership Manager.

The 46-year-old has helped more than 1,000 unemployed people back into work over the past five years, and is leading the company’s commitment to creating job opportunities.

“It’s an incredible honour,” said Jo, who now lives in Leigh, Lancashire.

“I’m just a lass from Huddersfield, so never in my wildest dreams did I think that something like this could happen to me.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with some fantastic people from all across the UK.

“It is a great feeling knowing that you have made a difference to someone’s life by helping them find a job, when often they have given up all hope.”

The daughter of 1950s Huddersfield Town midfielder Joe Lonsdale, Jo grew up in Huddersfield and once held a job on the tripe stall of the town’s market. She had her first taste of unemployment at 17, an experience that she says has helped shape her outlook on life.