A RECORD number of people have been presented with the British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Mr Barry Dodd in recognition of their contribution to their communities.

The ten recipients were: Mark Airey, a Help for Heroes coach from Melsonby; PC Suzanne Asquith, from York; John Coverdale of Ingleby Greenhow; Geoffrey Craggs, of Boroughbridge; Cheryl Dixon from North Ormseby; Vivienne Hall of Knaresborough; Keith Hardcastle, from Nidderdale; Eric Howden, of Redcar; Thomas Paterson from Saltburn; and Peter Thackrah, of Austwick. Mr Dodd said: “It is always a huge honour for the Lieutenancy to present the British Empire Medals on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. In every case it is very well deserved. Everybody has a wonderful story to tell about selfless service to our community.”