Biggleswade and Clifton citizens decorated in the Queen’s Birthday Honours have received their medals from Her Majesty’s representative in Bedfordshire.

The Comet: Clifton's Gladys Dawson receives her British Empire Medal from Bedfordshire Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis. Picture: Keith Mayhew, People PressClifton's Gladys Dawson receives her British Empire Medal from Bedfordshire Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis. Picture: Keith Mayhew, People Press (Image: Archant)

Herts Fire & Rescue watch commander Joanne Todd, from Biggleswade, received the British Empire Medal in recognition of her services to the Prince’s Trust Team programme in Hertfordshire.

Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis presented her award on behalf of the Queen at The Harpur Suite in Bedford.

Gladys Dawson, from Clifton, also received the BEM for her services to charity and the community in her village.

Dignitaries looking on included Bedfordshire High Sheriff Julian Polhill, Central Beds Council chairman Councillor Fiona Chapman, and the mayors of Shefford and other towns.

The Comet: Biggleswade's Joanne Todd receives her British Empire Medal from Bedfordshire Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis. Picture: Keith Mayhew, People PressBiggleswade's Joanne Todd receives her British Empire Medal from Bedfordshire Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis. Picture: Keith Mayhew, People Press (Image: Archant)

Family members and friends of the five medal recipients were also present, and heard readings about each person’s achievements from the Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets.

Also honoured were Bedford’s Iva Barr, Jacqueline Haggerwood from Clapham, and Gillian Lake from Brickhill.