Seven community champions have been honoured by the Queen after being awarded British Empire Medals for services within their local area.

The chosen candidates were selected to receive the medals as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.

They were each given medals, presented by Richard Jewson, the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, at a ceremony at the Great Hospital, in Bishopgate, Norwich.

The BEM was created in 1917 but discontinued in 1993.

It was subsequently revived to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and recognises achievement or contribution of a very 'hands-on' service to the community in a local geographical area.

Mr Jewson read out a citation about each of the recipients, who were surrounded by family and friends at the event.

Speaking after the ceremony Mr Jewson said: 'These are wonderful people who do wonderful things. It is humbling to hear what a wonderful job these people do and how hard they work.

'Not only is Norfolk the better for it, but if we didn't have people like them Norfolk would be a poorer place to live in.

'It's wonderful to be able to recognise these people. The British Empire Medal is very focused on people who do active work within their communities.

'I don't think anyone does what they do to be recognised – but they thoroughly deserve it.'

Several dignitaries were also present, including the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Marion Maxwell and Adel MacNicol and Sara Foster, both deputy lieutenants of Norfolk.

The full list of recipients is: David Foulkes, Hunstanton – for charitable services; Albert Garrett, Norwich – for services to fire and rescue and the community in Norwich; Mrs Jacqueline Harvey, Holt – for services to hand quilting, design, and the quilting industry; Jean Lindsay, Great Yarmouth – for services to the community in Great Yarmouth; Janie Preece, King's Lynn – for charitable services in Jambiani, Zanzibar; Glenda Tooke, Rollesby – for services to the community in Rollesby; The Reverend Heather Wright, Norwich – for services to the community, particularly deaf-blind people in Norfolk.

Do you know a local community hero? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk