THREE Pembrokeshire residents have been presented with their British Empire Medals.

Doreen Hammersley from Tenby along with Frank Harries and John Evans, both from Pembroke Dock, received their medals from the Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, The Hon. Robin Lewis, last Friday at County Hall.

Former Tenby Junior School teacher Mrs Hammersley, 88 was recognised for her services to the local community.

She is a leading light in the Girl Guide movement, which she has been involved in since the 1930s, as well as being an accomplished artist and an enthusiastic lace-maker and embroiderer.

A member of Soroptimist International of Tenby and District for over 35 years, she sells her work to raise money for charity.

Frank Harries, 85, is also recognised for his charity work. A well known face in Pembroke Dock, it is estimated he has collected around £200,000 for good causes throughout his life.

Much of this money has been raised by writing shows and organising concerts not only locally but also nationally.

A keen sportsman in his younger days – particularly football and cricket – he has been Chairman of the local Probus and Round Table clubs and has long been associated with the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir.

John Evans, the third recipient of the British Empire Medal, is honoured for his services to the preservation of Pembroke Dock and its military past.

Born at The Rhos, Haverfordwest, and a former journalist on The Western Telegraph, John, 63, is the driving force behind the Sunderland Trust, which celebrates Pembroke Dock’s historic link with the aircraft.

Indeed, he is widely recognised as the country’s leading authority on Sunderland flying boats about which he has written several books.

His latest project has been to open the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre based in the town’s Council-owned Royal Dockyard Chapel, where John met The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh when they visited at the end of April.