SHE helped keep Britain in food and milk in the Second World War.

Now 90-year-old Violet Tetlaw, from Outlane, is to receive a new badge of recognition being given to women who served in the Land Army.

And Mrs Tetlaw will be recognised alongside her late husband and Outlane farmer Harold, who received a Queen’s Silver Jubilee award in 1975 for his role in the war effort.

From January 28 Mrs Tetlaw and other surviving members of the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps can apply to the Government for the badge to recognise their efforts during the First and Second world wars.

Mrs Tetlaw, a great-grandmother, had been working as a nanny in St Andrews, Scotland. But in 1939 she moved to a farm in Elland to prepare milk, performing everything from milking cows to loading churns on to milk floats.

Irish-born Mrs Tetlaw also picked vegetables to help make sure Brits got their vitamins.

Mrs Tetlaw, who is still active today, said: “It was hard work. We had one half-day a week off and we were supposed to get extra food, but we just got ordinary rations. I’m still suffering with a bad back from it.

“But I enjoyed it. I was brought up on a farm and it was great feeling to helping the war effort.

“It’s wonderful to recognised after all this time. I feel very honoured. And I feel very honoured for my husband and me. I never expected anything, so it was a nice surprise.”

Announcing the new badges Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: “It is absolutely right that we at last recognise the selfless efforts these women made to support the nation through the dark days of the two world wars.

“This badge is a fitting way to pay tribute to their determination, courage and spirit in the face of adversity. I hope that as many eligible women as possible will apply for one.”

Badges can be given to surviving Land Army or Timber Corps women as of December 6 last year. Badges cannot be given posthumously, unless death occurred after this date. Applicants must give date of birth, dates of service and where they were stationed.

Application forms are now available for anyone who believes that they may be eligible for a badge.

You can download a form from the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/working/wla or ask for one by phone from 08459 33 55 77 or in writing to Mr Dermot McInerney, Defra5E, Millbank c/o 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR.