(Image: Supplied)
Four County Durham residents who have devoted years to their communities have received British Empire Medals at a special ceremony.
Mike Butterwick, Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, presented the honours at Durham Castle on Thursday, October 8, on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III.
The recipients were Geoff Hill, recognised for voluntary services to aviation history; Faye Marsh, for services to children and young people; Allison White, for supporting people with cancer; and Adrian Richards, for services to the Chester-le-Street community.
Mr Butterwick CBE said: "This was a truly special day.
"The BEM is awarded to people who selflessly and without any expectation of reward go the extra miles for their communities.
"These are the people who help bring our communities together and volunteer their time simply because it’s the right thing to do.
"The recipients today are ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things across the County.
"We wanted to make today special for them and their families and give them the recognition they thoroughly deserve.
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"Our thanks to Durham University and their staff and the mayor’s office for their assistance."
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, the Worshipful Mayor of Durham, supported the ceremony.
She joined the Lord-Lieutenant to hear about each recipient’s contribution and celebrate their achievements.
Close family and friends also attended the ceremony.