A WEST Somerset man has been honoured by the Queen for his community work and voluntary service with veterans.

Maj Robert McDonald, of Alder Close, Williton, received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List last week.

He retired to West Somerset after 33 years in the Army, which he joined aged 16.

Maj McDonald said he had been ‘amazed’ when he was told about his BEM because he was unaware that anybody had made a recommendation.

He said: “It is a big honour, especially being given it in the Platinum Jubilee year.

“As an ex-Serviceman I fully support the Royal Family.

“It is a huge privilege to get the award and to get it on behalf of the community I live in and Royal British Legion veterans.”

Maj McDonald has been chairman of Somerset and Bristol Royal British Legion since 2015 and was chairman of Williton Parish Council for four years where he oversaw the creation of plans to cope with flooding in the village following floods in 2012.

He is also chairman of the AT West (assisted transport) group on Exmoor which takes pupils to and from school and takes vulnerable people on shopping trips.

Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Sarah Crew was also recognised in the Honours List, receiving the Queen’s Police Medal.

The award recognised her commitment and dedication to improving the policing response to rape and serious sexual offences.

She became the constabulary’s first woman Chief Constable in November, 2021, and was described in the citation for the honour as ‘an inclusive, caring, and victim-focussed leader’.

Ms Crew said she was honoured and humbled.