'We are very proud to have you' - British Empire Medals presented to community heroes

On a glorious afternoon in the sun at Shrewsbury Castle, British Empire Medals were awarded by Lord Lieutenant Anna Turner, the Queen's representative in Shropshire.

Although it wasn't quite a garden party at Buckingham Palace, the castle provided a fitting location for worthy Salopians, who proudly wore their gleaming medals on their chests.

Thankfully, heavy lunchtime showers abated, and the sun shone as members of the Lord Lieutenant's team described the selfless acts that medal recipients had undertaken, before inviting them up to get their medals, as their family, friends and fellow recipients applauded and beamed with pride.

One recipient, John Fraser MacLean, who has been instrumental in the restoration of the Coleham Pumping Station in Shrewsbury, said: "I'm very proud, but was a bit surprised to be honest, especially after hearing everyone else's stories. When I received the email, I thought it was a hoax."

Jane Jervis, who received her medal for voluntary and charity work including organising charity events and a weekly car boot sale, said: "It's wonderful that we've been able to do this, especially given Covid. I thoroughly enjoy it (charity work and volunteering), and I've met some wonderful people."

Sufu "George" Miah, a restaurateur from Oswestry who has raised hundreds of thousands for charities and has played a major role in Shropshire's Muslim community, said: "I can't describe the feeling really," after receiving his medal. "It's a fitting place for it, and it didn't rain!"

Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, told the recipients and their families: "I love my job - what a privilege to be able to meet people like yourselves doing so much in the community.

"On behalf of her majesty, the person we have so much respect for, I get to thank the people she has so much respect for.

"You have been awarded a BEM because you are exceptional, and someone thought highly enough of you that they were prepared to nominate you.

"The standard of these awards is extremely high, the assessment and scrutiny is rigorous. There are many more nominations than awards. One of the nicest things about reading the citations is to hear what you have done for the benefit of others, you have improved other peoples lives and you are being recognised for this.

"I also don’t want to forget those behind the scenes. your family, friends and colleagues who probably cringe when you go near them for fear you will ask another favour to help your cause. They will have been backing you up for years and these medals are for them too. The medals reflect their input as well.

"I look at you in awe, having heard and read the citations it makes me realise what humanity is all about.

"I have a very strong lieutenancy team without whom I couldn’t manage and today I would like to thank them. We try to make sure Shropshire gets recognised as a true reflection of all the good work so many do.

"Thanks to the castle, what a wonderful venue with so much history, giving such a sense of occasion. You are probably sitting on the very same place that high status feasting took place in the 11th century.

"I want to you to go away after today and realise how grateful Her Majesty is of the work you do in the community and remember today as a day you were so proud of what you have achieved, because we are very proud to have you in Shropshire. My congratulations to each and every one of you."