HAMPSHIRE people who have selflessly devoted their time to serving the community have received the British Empire Medal (BEM).

The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson presented the award at a ceremony in Winchester.

Receiving the award were:

  • Michael Woodhall, Stockbridge, former county councillor, for services to the community in Hampshire;

  • Caroline Husain, Eastleigh, for services to charity and the community in Chandler’s Ford;

  • Susan Fifield, Alton, for services to the community in Farringdon;

  • Percy Iles, Hook, for services to RAF veterans and the community in Basingstoke;

  • Jennifer Marlow, Alton, for services to vulnerable people in the community in Alton;

  • Rev Roger Stone, Hythe, for services to seafarers;

  • Paul Watson, Gosport, for voluntary service to veterans.

The BEM was established in 1922 to replace the Medal of the Order of the British Empire and is awarded for ‘meritorious’ civil or military service.

The medal was awarded to subjects of the United Kingdom until 1992.

It was brought out of abeyance in June 2012, for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.