A number of British Empire Medals (BEMs) were presented in Sunderland as a mark of gratitude for outstanding services and devotion to the community.
The five BEMs in total were presented on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Mrs Susan Winfield OBE.
The presentations were made at a civic reception in the Mayor's Parlour at Sunderland City Hall on Monday (28 February) - marking the first event of its kind at the newly constructed building which opened in September last year.
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All the recipients and their achievements have also featured in the recent Honours Lists, receiving their prestigious BEM for an array of different reasons.
Kim Sheers from Houghton-le-Spring received her medal for her voluntary work with the disabled, while Theo Wride of Ashbrooke achieved his through producing personal protective equipment for NHS workers during the global Coronavirus pandemic.
Mahtab Morovat also received her honour for her work with the Fightback Charity - who assisted the vulnerable during the same crisis.
Asda worker, Lucy Mansell-Render, who lives in Washington was given her BEM for supporting care workers throughout the pandemic also, while Paula Hills received hers for her work supporting tax credit customers and the local community.
Mrs Winfield OBE said: "Her Majesty the Queen recognises the outstanding work of all these individuals through this national honour.
"They have worked tirelessly and are a great inspiration for all of us on how we can serve, aid and help our communities with good and selfless works.
"It was very much my privilege to present these British Empire Medals and congratulate everyone for their endeavours.
"There are so many unsung heroes in our community and I would like to encourage nominations for national honours."
Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Harry Trueman, added: "The presentation of these British Empire Medals is one of the first official Mayoral and public functions to be held and hosted here in the Mayor’s Parlour at our new City Hall.
"Well done to all our new medal holders, we are very proud and grateful for what you have achieved.
"Thanking and recognising these community beacons for their splendid achievements is a very worthy start to mayoral functions and works here in the hall.
"We look forward to welcoming and hosting more residents and visitors in coming weeks and months."
The British Empire Medal is awarded to people in recognition for outstanding services to their country, community, profession and walk of life.
To find out more about making a nomination please visit www.gov.uk/honours or contact the Tyne and Wear Lieutenancy Office on 0191 433 2047.
