British Empire Medals to be presented in prestigious Lancaster Castle ceremony

The British Empire Medal will be presented to a number of Lancashire recipients next month.

On Friday May 3, the historic and majestic setting of Lancaster Castle will host a prestigious Honours ceremony.

In the magnificent Shire Hall, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker, will be presenting British Empire Medals (BEM) on behalf of His Majesty the King to recipients from Lancashire commended in the recent New Year Honours List for services to their local community.

The BEM recipients on the evening will be Waqas Arshad from Nelson, Chair, Bradley Big Local, for his services to families with Mental Health Issues in Lancashire; John Fielding, from Accrington, Scout Leader, 2^nd Rishton Baptist Scout Group, for his services to Young People and the community in Lancashire; Bernard Vause from Morecambe for his services to Music and to the community in Morecambe and Russell Walters from Lytham St Annes, Director, Cardiff Cymru and Careline Coordinator, Care for the Family, for voluntary service in Wales.

Mrs Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, said: "I am delighted to see such deserving people from Lancashire being recognised by the award of the British Empire Medal.

"It will be a privilege to present them on behalf of His Majesty the King."

Joining Mrs Parker on the evening will be the Chairman of Lancashire County Council, Alan Cullens; the new High Sheriff of Lancashire, Mrs Helen Bingley, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Christine Kirk, as well as a number of Deputy Lieutenants from across the county.