Black Country woman shares delight after winning British Empire Medal

Sharing about how it felt to be nominated for the award and to win, she said: "It is still unbelievable that I have been recognised for the award, and I'm still not sure who nominated me.

"As part of the celebration I attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace on the week of the King's Coronation, and it really did make me feel proud to be British.

"I will be receiving my award on November 17, and it will be presented to me at Dudley Canal and Caverns, which is where I volunteer, at the Chit Chat group.

"I had asked if the award could be presented to me in the community, and it will be a great occasion as the Lord Lieutenant is coming along too."

Lyn first decided to volunteer around seven years ago when she visited the Dudley Volunteers Office, and the Chit Chat club was just about to be launched then, and so she got involved with that.

The Chit Chat club is held at Dudley Canal and Caverns on every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm, and Lyn said around 30 people attend each week, where people who are lonely come in and have a chat, a coffee and enjoy each other's company.

The West Midlands is celebrating 19 BEM recipients from this year’s King’s Birthday Honours and New Year Honours.

All have made an active contribution to help others and make the region a richer, kinder place. All are passionate about what they do and have gone to extraordinary lengths to help others, volunteering their time for countless years. Many have gone through emotional journeys that have driven them to greater achievements in their quest to support others who are often vulnerable or suffering.

The Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, believes the recipients reflect the depth and breadth of caring and goodwill that many people provide in the region. He said: " is heart-warming to hear the stories of these people who dedicate their lives to improving the lives of others and I am privileged to be able to meet them and say a huge thank you and how proud we are of them and all they do.

"During my time as Lord-Lieutenant I have been humbled to have the opportunity to be part of the recognition of these unsung heroes and I know from the activities the Lieutenancy gets involved in that there are hundreds, maybe thousands of others who we still need to recognise so please let us know who these people are or nominate them on the Honours website.”