FIVE dedicated residents from West Dunbartonshire and Helensburgh have been honoured by the Queen with a British Empire Medal.

Lord Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire, Michael Gregory OBE, presented the medals to the group who were among those listed in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June.

Diana MacIntosh, the chair of charity Save the Children in Helensburgh, received her award for services to charity.

Sheenah Nelson, from Cardross, was honoured for services to Macmillan Cancer Support and to heart charities throughout West Dunbartonshire and beyond.

Frances Jones, founder and organiser of Coeliac Group Glasgow, was credited for her service to people with the disease, while Kenneth McChlery was highlighted for his public service to the community in Glasgow.

Allan Stewart, founder of charitable group Team Chivas, was also honoured at the ceremony at Clydebank Town Hall on September 28.

Provost William Hendrie said: “These people are some of West Dunbartonshire’s most deserving, and most dedicated citizens.

“The British Empire Medal is the perfect way to say thank you to people who have worked hard to serve their community.

“Without these recipients, who have given many hours of their own time over many years, our community would be a much poorer place.

“They have made a difference to so many people’s lives and for that we are truly grateful.”

Diana, who also volunteered with Citizens Advice, said: “I was totally amazed when I discovered I had been nominated. The letter came from the Cabinet Office and since then I’ve had letters from Nicola Sturgeon and Princess Anne, which has been so nice.

“I’m very aware that there are thousands of people who deserve to be given this honour, and this has been really unexpected.

“I took along friends and family, including my mother who is in her 90s and my two-month old granddaughter Zoe. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day.”

Kenneth added: “I was stunned to be nominated and when the news sunk in I was really excited and honoured.

“I was so well looked after on the day the ceremony was really interesting.

“I am still smiling about receiving the award and it was made more special as my dad, who is 97, was able to be there along with my wife, children and grandchildren."