Suffolk's unsung heroes were celebrated yesterday at the British Empire Medal (BEM) Investiture ceremony held by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.

Six residents were bestowed with their BEM medals in a ceremony at The Racing Stables in Euston by the Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare Fitzroy, Countess of Euston.

The awards, named in the King's Birthday Honours list, recognise "meritorious service" worthy of recognition by the Crown.

East Anglian Daily Times: Richard Clarke BEM is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.Richard Clarke BEM is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Richard Clarke of Newmarket, crew manager at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, was recognised for his services to the fire fighters charity and to the community in Suffolk.

Gareth Elliott of Bury St Edmunds was awarded for his services to Lowland Rescue and to the community in Aylesbury.

East Anglian Daily Times: Gareth Elliott BEM is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.Gareth Elliott BEM is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

For services to policing, Karen Harris of Felixstowe was recognised for her work in police staff at Citizens in Policing, east regional coordinator and Suffolk manager in Suffolk Constabulary.

East Anglian Daily Times: Karen Harris BEM with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.Karen Harris BEM with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

The 59-year-old helped set up Suffolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SSARC), and became the Citizens in Policing East of England regional coordinator covering several counties.

Mrs Harris was on holiday when she found out she would receive the BEM.

Speaking in June, she said: "I was absolutely speechless, completely overwhelmed and I just feel incredibly honoured.

"There are so many amazing volunteers in the police that I feel are more worthy than me to receive it, so I am feeling very humbled.

"I am really excited though."

East Anglian Daily Times: Louie Horne BEM was recognised for services to nursing, and is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.Louie Horne BEM was recognised for services to nursing, and is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Louie Horne of Ipswich, deputy associate director of nursing, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard Clinical Research Fellow, was awarded for her services to nursing.

East Anglian Daily Times: Joan Norman BEM was recognised for services to young people, and is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.Joan Norman BEM was recognised for services to young people, and is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)Joan Norman of Diss, scout leader at 1st Eye Scout Group, was recognised for her services to young people and to the community in Suffolk.

She has been with the scouts for 47 years, and has said she has met some "awesome young people" and has had opportunities she never would have done otherwise.

Speaking at the time of receiving her honour, Mrs Norman said: "I am very honoured to be given this lovely award.

"I was at home when I heard and I initially thought it was a speeding fine or jury summons but when I opened it, I was so delighted and jumping for joy."

East Anglian Daily Times: Sandra Ruddock BEM is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.Sandra Ruddock BEM is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

Sandra Louise Ruddock of Saxmundham, co-founder and owner of Scarlett & Mustard Ltd, was recognised for services to business and to the voluntary sector in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Back in June, she told this paper: "To be honoured with this award is fantastic and was such a lovely surprise.

"I am very happy to accept it on behalf of all the small and micro businesses which make up the beating heart of the East Anglian economy."