THREE pillars of the community, who dedicated their lives to serving Worcestershire residents, have been recognised with the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Councillor Liz Eyre, Judith Megarry, and Penny Webb received their medals during a special ceremony held at the Guildhall this afternoon, (October 13).

At the start of the service Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Holcroft said he was representing Her Majesty the Queen at the ceremony, and said the BEM was being awarded to "three outstanding Worcestershire ladies".

Councillor Eyre, who was first elected in 2001 to represent Broadway, where she still lives, served as Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for children and families for 12 terms.

While she was in the role schools in Worcestershire saw record levels of improvement, and Cllr Eyre became one of Worcestershire's best-known politicians.

Cllr Eyre, who received the BEM for political services, said: "I originally started as a councillor to get back into the swing of things after looking after my mother, and I wanted to give something back to the community.

"Once you become a councillor you have an opportunity to help people.

"I would encourage anyone to consider becoming a councillor - it is very fulfilling."

Judy Megarry, of Pershore, was one of the founders of long-running Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Society and was recognised with the BEM for services to community music in the town.

Mrs Megarry, who also founded the local music group Pensham Singers, said it was "a great surprise" when she learned she would be getting the award.

"I had no idea I was even being nominated," Mrs Megarry said.

"I'm proud of everything. We are known for our standards - the people in our shows have gone on to become professionals, performing at the West End and on cruise ships.

"It is all about giving people confidence and belief in themselves."

Penny Webb, who lives in Spennells, was awarded the British Empire Medal following her nomination by the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

The Kidderminster resident retired from working as a childminder earlier this year after 26 years, so she could concentrate on being a full time foster parent alongside her husband Garry.

When she learned about the award, Mrs Webb, who received the award for services to children, said she was "shocked".

"You never imagine when you are volunteering you would ever get an honour," Mrs Webb said.

"But I never did volunteering to win a medal - you do it to make a difference."

The British Empire Medal, formally British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service. is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.

After it stopped being awarded in 1993, it was revived in 2012 to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.