Four BEM winners from East Lancashire will be given their awards during a prestigious ceremony.

The ceremony will take place at Lancaster Castle today (October 14), giving those who were awarded in the Queen’s New Year’s Eve honours their awards.

From Blackburn, Banu Adam, founder and Chair of Arts2Heal, was given the award for services to Mental Health provision in Blackburn, particularly during the pandemic.

Stephen Hutchinson, from Burnley and chair of Accrington & District Sea Cadets, was given a BEM for voluntary service to young people in Lancashire.

Joanne Mohammed, from Blackburn and a registered nurse at Royal Bolton Hospital, was accoladed for services to Nursing and to Disability Awareness.

Michael Tupper from Clitheroe who is blind has been awarded for his voluntary service to other visually impaired people.

The Rt Hon the Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, will be presenting an the four East Lancashire residents with their British Empire Medals as well as nine from wider Lancashire following their recognition in the New Year and Birthday Honours Lists for services to their local community.

Lord Shuttleworth said:  "I am delighted that the contribution of so many people from Lancashire has been recognised by the award of national honours. It will be a privilege to present them on behalf of His Majesty the King."

From the wider county, the BEM recipients will be:

Sharon Martin for her services to the community in Great Eccleston & Elswick, particularly during Covid-19.

Mohammed Ali, from Preston, for his services to the community in Preston also during Covid-19.

Glenda Andrew, from Preston and Co-founder of the Preston Windrush Generation & Descendants UK, for her services to the Afro-Caribbean Community in Preston.

Alan Cullens, Councillor on Chorley District Council and also a member of Lancashire County Council, for Political Service.

Liam Entwistle, store assistant for Blackpool Council, for services to Local Government during the pandemic.

Christie McCammon, from Lostock Hall and Catering Manager, HM Prison Kirkham, for his services to HM Prison & Probation Service and to Charity.

Neil Williams from Walton-le-Dale, for his service to the community in Lancashire.

Natasha Wright for her services to the community in Preesall during Covid-19; and

Annie Wynn from Preston and Director at Let's Grow, for her services to the community in Preston, particularly during Covid-19.