Three Suffolk residents have been awarded British Empire Medals for their work in the local community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Sandra Margaret Waspe, 61, branch treasurer of Stowmarket Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, was awarded her medal for helping to establish the branch, getting young people involved and tireless fundraising for the charity.

Ian Langdon, 62, from Grundisburgh, was honoured for his involvement in community activities including co-founding the amateur dramatic society, working with Grundisburgh’s school and church, assisting with the community Christmas celebrations and working with the Horticultural Society, among work with many of Grundisburgh’s other societies and groups.

Ollie Hatcher, fundraising co-ordinator for the Suffolk Breakthrough Breast Cancer branch, recieved her honour for raising funds and promoting awareness for breast cancer.

The awards were presented in a ceremony at Helmingham Hall on Monday, hosted by Lord Tollemache.

Ms Waspe said, “It’s an honour. The charity makes such a difference to people’s lives, and we have raised over £60,000 for the Stowmarket branch. It’s all down to the generosity of East Anglian residents.”

Mr Langdon said, “It was such a shock. I am very pleased because it shows what a great community Grundisburgh is. We have got 35 village groups and societies, and people try to get involved in the activities and they often surprise themselves.”

Ms Hatcher said, “I just think it’s testament to the whole Breakthrough Breast Cancer team. We have a big team of fundraisers who have all put in a huge amount of work, and I am just one of the many. It’s wonderful to see the impact locally.

“Our aim is by 2025 that 20 per cent fewer women will go on to develop secondary breast cancer, and increase survival for those who do.”

The ceremony was the last in which Lord Tollemache presented Birthday Honours with his retirement next year.

He said: “I want to say how wonderful it is to have the opportunity to give to the three individuals. It’s amazing the stories we have heard of the people that have done so much for Suffolk.”