Two residents of Cornwall have been awarded the British Empire Medal, after being nominated in the New Year Honours list.

Mrs Wendy Gauntlett from Penzance and Mr Alan Pope from Camborne were both awarded the esteemed medal at a ceremony hosted at St John's Hall in Penzance.

Cornwall Council chairman and Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE presented the medals, in front of an expectant crowd of the nominees family and friends. Both Wendy and Alan are described as outstanding examples of those who selflessly give to their communities, and their efforts have now been recognised by The Queen with the presentation of this medal.

A spokesperson from the council said: "Wendy is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to helping others in particular the elderly, carers and those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

"Her family joke is that you can never get hold of her as she is never at home.

"She is a prominent voice for the elderly in West Cornwall, driving the 50 plus forum and initiating and organising many innovative events for its members from West Penwith to Land’s End.

"Alan is the driving force behind the hugely successful Camborne Youth Band.

"Since reforming the band in 1999, he has encouraged countless young people to discover the joy of playing music.

"The achievements of the band are seemingly endless; their talent has resulted in them winning numerous Cornwall and National Championship titles."

Speaking at the occasion, the Lord Lieutenant said: "Honours are not easily won and all the recipients have given selfless service to their communities.

"I was delighted to be able to present the recipients with their medals in recognition of the extraordinary impact each of them has had on their communities."

The British Empire Medal was established in 1922 to replace the Medal of the Order of the British Empire, which had been established in 1917 by King George V.

The BEM was awarded until 1992, when it was suspended in the UK.

But in 2011 the then Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the medal would be reintroduced in the United Kingdom, for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, to recognise the dedication and hard work provided by local volunteers who make a real difference to their communities.