A RYEDALE man is one of five North Yorkshire residents to be awarded British Empire Medals in recognition of their contributions to their communities.

Roger John Burnett, of Swinton, near Malton, was given the honour for services to horticulture in Scarborough.

Mr Burnett was awarded the British Empire Medal earlier this year and each received their medal on Friday, September, 29, at County Hall, Northallerton, from Barry Dodd CBE, The Queen’s Representative, The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, supported by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, David Kerfoot MBE, the Chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, Councillor Helen Swiers and the Vice-Chairman of the Council, Councillor Robert Windass.

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

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “It is a big honour for the Lieutenancy to present the British Empire Medals on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. It is very well deserved in every case.

“Everyone has a wonderful story to tell about selfless service to our community and this is particularly significant in our area. Yorkshire people are so genuine and amazingly generous with their time and energy.”

The other people from the North Yorkshire Lieutenancy who received the award were:

• Richard Frank Barugh, of Easingwold, for services to the community with Galtres community centre.

• Ian Johnson, of Skelton, near Saltburn, for services to the community in Skelton.

• Marie Taylor, of York, area standard bearer for the Royal Naval Association, for services to veterans and the community.

• Bessie Underwood, of Castleton, Whitby, for services to elderly people in the local community.