AN MBE recipient from Taunton is hoping someone will be able to help find her medal after she lost it in town.

June Small was awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2011 for services to Food Producing Businesses in the South West.

Somerset County Gazette:

A HAPPY DAY: June and husband Robin in 2011 when June was awarded her MBE

June and her husband Robin live out at Charlton Orchards in Creech St Michael and their son Duncan runs the orchards.

June believes she lost the precious medal after attending the mayoral service at St James Church on Sunday, May 21.

She said she had parked at the Coal Orchard Car Park and that after nipping over to Morrisons, she realised the medal had dropped off the ribbon.

“It is quite upsetting,” Mrs Small said.

“It’s only a piece of metal, but it is more than just a piece of metal really, because it’s irreplaceable.

“I can’t just call up the Queen and ask for another one to pop on to the ribbon.

“I really hope that someone has found the metal cross, it’s about three inches long and two inches wide.

Somerset County Gazette:

CAN YOU HELP: Mrs Small is really hoping someone will have picked it up and can return it to her

“I would love to have it returned.”

Mrs Small, 82, was nominated by the Taunton Farmer’s Market for her MBE.

She spent more than 14 years promoting British produce and gave up her job in teaching to promote British food for the Agricultural Committee in Europe.

She added: “I loved it, it was wonderful and I got to travel to farms across Europe.

“I think buying British produce is important because it helps our economy to flourish.

“My son Robin takes care of the orchards now where Robin and I have been for the last 50 years, I get to do the fun bit of just eating the apples.

“We have been married for 60 years and we’re only just getting to know each other, you learn more about each other as you get older.”

And her MBE holds many precious memories.

“I can still remember when we went up to get my MBE it was a great day,” she said.

“I really hope that someone has found the cross and is able to return it to me, I would be very happy.”

If you know of the medals whereabouts, you can contact Mrs Small by calling the orchards on 01823 412959, or the County Gazette on 01823 365101.

Somerset County Gazette: