Woman gets award for improving relations between UK and Japan - with marmalade

Jane Hasell-McCosh, 70, has been presented with The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, which recognises people who have made distinguished contributions to Japan

A woman has received an international award for improving relations between the UK and Japan … with marmalade.

Jane Hasell-McCosh, 70, was presented with The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, which recognises people who have made distinguished contributions to Japan. Previous recipients of the award's various grades include Bill Gates, William Hague, Olivia Newton-John, Nancy Pelosi, and Clint Eastwood.

Mrs Hasell-McCosh is the founder of The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards, held annually on an estate near Penrith, Cumbria. She has been honoured for welcoming Japanese visitors and their marmalade - hugely popular in Japan - to Cumbria, and for her support for a similar festival in Yawatahama City.

The Japanese ambassador to the UK, Hajime Hayashi, who has himself entered the competition three times. He said: "I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations on this esteemed honour for significant contributions which have played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between Japan and the United Kingdom.

"I am deeply respectful and grateful for the efforts of Jane Hasell-McCosh." Ms Hasell-McCosh said: "It’s an extraordinary thing to be recognised in this way. I feel extremely proud to be receiving this award which I do so partly on behalf of so many others."