A SELFLESS woman from York has received a prestigious British Empire Medal for her contribution to her local community.

Jennifer Caswell Hildyard, of York, has been awarded the medal for services to the community in York.

Two other women from North Yorkshire have also received British Empire Medals.

Michelle Beckett, of Harrogate, has been presented with the medal for services to disadvantaged people in the UK and abroad.

Meanwhile, Trudi Jeannette Abadi, of Leeming Bar, has been given the medal for services to law and order.

All three women were awarded the medal earlier this year and each received their medal on Friday at County Hall, Northallerton, from the lord-lieutenant of North Yorkshire and the Queen’s representative, Barry Dodd CBE, supported by vice lord-lieutenant Peter Scrope and deputy lord-lieutenant David Kerfoot MBE.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for sustained and notable contribution to the community.

Mr Dodd said: "Yorkshire people are renowned for being generous with their time and energy, so it is always a great honour to recognise this by presenting British Empire Medals on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

"In every case the honour is very well deserved. Every recipient has a wonderful story to tell about selfless service to their community."