SEVEN Dorset residents have received British Empire Medals as a reward for their community work.

They attended County Hall, with friends and family, to receive their medals from the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell.

The medals were awarded to those who were part of this year’s New Year Honours List.

They include Major David Glossop, Nicola Goudie, Susan Dennett, Julie Lankshear, Barbara-Anne Mills, Lewis Parkyn, and Pamela Reeks.

Major Glossop was recognised for his contribution to Franco-British relations.

He was followed by Mrs Goudie, a support worker at Aggie Westons, who was recognised for services to Royal Marines and their families.

Mrs Dennett and Mrs Lankshear, co-founders of Caring Canines, went up to collect their medals together.

They received medals for services to dog-assisted therapy and to the community in Bournemouth and Poole.

Mrs Dennett said: “It’s recognition of everyone’s work.”

Mrs Mills, owner of St James Pre-School Link and Pre-School Carer in Bournemouth, received her medal for services to education.

She said: “It’s nice to accept this for all the children that I look after because the children are all so excited about this.”

Mr Parkyn, a volunteer on Brownsea Island for 50 years, received his medal for voluntary service to heritage and said: “I think one’s reaction is you feel both proud and humbled. It’s not something you expect when you get involved in these sorts of things.”

Mrs Reeks was nominated for her services to the community in Verwood.

Her contributions include co-founding the Verwood Historical Society and setting up the Heathland Heritage Centre.

Speaking to the medallists, Mr Campbell said: “Each of you has helped others within our very special county thr-ough your charitable and voluntary work, and in many other ways. It’s fantastic that we’ve actually got the British Empire Medal back so we can recognise work like this.”