Five Norfolk people who dedicate their lives to serving others have been presented with their British Empire Medals at a ceremony in Norwich.

The ceremony took place yesterday in the grand hall of The Great Hospital with HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, Richard Jewson, JP, presenting the medals, on behalf of The Queen, to:

• Mike Gooderson from Diss, for services to the Scouting movement.

• Husband and wife, Mary and Roy Hansell from Norwich, for their services to St Luke's luncheon club in Norwich.

• Barry Miskin from Thurlton, for services in his local community.

• Margaret Stuart from Norwich, for services to Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Jewson, chairman of EDP and Norwich Evening News publishers Archant, spoke of the 'hard work and dedication of those who give up their time to volunteer for others', before presenting the medals.

Richard Butler, MBE, a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, read a citation about each of the recipients to the audience which included family, friends, and dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Norwich, the Chairman of Norfolk County Council and the Chairman of South Norfolk District Council.

The British Empire Medal, originally created in 1917 was discontinued in 1993 but revived for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee last year.