Community heroes are honoured

British Empire Medals have been given to six “community heroes” at a ceremony held at the Bishops Palace in Wells.

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The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, presented individual medals to Douglas Allen from Chard, Angela Clarke from Wedmore, Roy Gibson from Bath, John Hardy from Bridgwater, Elizabeth Caroline Toll from Frome and David Addis from Long Ashton.

Mr Saddiq told them: “Many congratulations to you all. The hundreds of hours you have volunteered for your local communities shows just how much you deserve to receive these medals. Thank you to all of you for your time and commitment.”

The British Empire Medal (BEM) is awarded on behalf of the monarch for “hands-on” service to the local community over a period of time.

Douglas Allen, from Chard, received his award for services to policing and the community in Somerset, having volunteered for over 50 years. Working as a Police Support Volunteer for Avon and Somerset Police, one of his achievements was to involve the community in reducing speeding in the area. Thanks to his efforts and those of his volunteers, they have created one of the best Community Speedwatch teams in the county.