The Suffolk founder of a period poverty enterprise has been made an OBE for her services for promoting period dignity.

Celia Hodson, from Eye, is the chief executive officer of the Diss-based Hey Girls enterprise

She has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the King's Birthday Honours list.

The honour recognised Ms Hodson's achievements in raising awareness of free period products in Scotland.

Hey Girls is also behind the PickupMyPeriod app, which helps people find free period products, ensuring everyone has access to essential menstrual products in the UK, regardless of their financial situation.

The organisation operates a “buy one, donate one” model, which ensures that for every product sold, another is donated to someone in need, with community partners such as food banks, homeless shelters and women's refuges.

Ms Hodson set up the organisation in 2018 following her own experience as a single mother on the poverty line.

The social enterprise operates on a 'buy one, donate one' model.The social enterprise operates on a 'buy one, donate one' model. (Image: Hey Girls)

Ms Hodson said: "It's amazing, really wonderful. I have huge, heartfelt gratitude, and am deeply humbled.

"Trying to make a difference is tough, but when you're driven by personal experience by living on the poverty line and not coping very well and having to lean on other people for assistance, it drives you to want to make a difference for others.

"You would think that things have changed, but we have one in five people in poverty in the UK right now, and more children being brought up in poverty than ever before.

"We have to keep on at our politicians to make a difference. There is still work to be done."

The enterprise recently opened a 13,000 sq ft distribution centre in Diss, with a warehouse and packing period products to send throughout the UK, as well as office and education spaces.

Hey Girls has provided 40 million sustainable period products and menstrual health education to those in need.

Ms Hodson was named the National Great British Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneurial Scotland in 2018, the same year Hey Girls was launched.