WORTHY recipients of royal recognition have picked up their medals at a ceremony in Dorchester.

The event at County Hall in Dorchester saw four British Empire Medals handed out to Dorset residents, who had been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Lord Lieutenant for Dorset Angus Campbell presented the medals to Gail McGarva, Adam Tuffrey, Helen Warren and Vanetta Westell and was full of praise for their contribution to the local community.

He told the recipients: “Each one of you has helped others within our very special county through your charity and voluntary work and in very many other ways.

“I’m truly delighted to be about to present your honours this morning in the presence of your family, friends and colleagues.”

Mr Campbell added: “It’s a great honour for me, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, to invest you with these medals.”

Ms McGarva, from Lyme Regis, was recognised for her services to heritage crafts and clinker boat building.

She won the Marine Federation Trainee of the Year award in 2005 and has built a number of historic craft during her career, including a 1882 Shetland boat, a 38-foot Bantry Bay Gig for the Atlantic Challenge project in Ireland, two Cornish Pilot Gigs for Lyme Regis Gig Club and a replica of a double ended Dorset Lerret.

Ms McGarva’s citation read: “Combining natural talent with hard work and determination, she is an admirable ambassador not only for her own craft but for all heritage skills.”

Another recipient was 20-year-old Mr Tuffrey, who made a full recovery after having meningitis at the age of six, and has since raised over £40,000 for the Meningitis Trust through a number of musical shows.

The young fundraiser, from Bournemouth, said after receiving his award: “It’s a bit surreal.”

He added that his family, who were present to see him receive his British Empire Medal, were very proud of his achievements and he had many more plans for fundraising in the future.

He said: “We are looking to take the show on tour.”

Mrs Warren was recognised for her services to education, particularly the role she played in running and supporting the Poole Grammar School Parent Teacher Association.

Her work has helped raise over £20,000 for school activities.

Mrs Westell, from Poole, was honoured for her 35 years of volunteering for the NSPCC, during which she has raised over £70,000.

Her citation read: “Her continued work for Childline and the NSPCC is an inspiration to others.”