Community stalwarts have been recognised for their tireless work at a special ceremony for the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

The Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, Richard Jewson, told the five recipients at the ceremony in the Great Hospital in Bishopgate, Norwich, they were what made Norfolk so special.

He said: 'The award of an honour is our way in this country of acknowledging such service and you should be justifiably proud at having been selected, as I am certainly proud to be able to present your medal to you.

'I am aware that sometimes the hard work and dedication of those who give up their time to volunteer for others can go unnoticed but I want to reassure you that it is greatly appreciated by those who benefit from what you do and whose lives are improved as a result.

'I am sure that everyone who benefits from your voluntary service places great value on all the commitment and effort you put into your individual endeavours.'

Great grandmother Helen Hoyte, 92, of Bracondale in Norwich, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

She has spent a lifetime unwrapping the history of Norwich shawls, holds regular talks on the topic and in 2010 published a book, The Story of the Norwich Shawl.

Mavin Shulver, 78, of Thwaite St Mary, near Bungay, received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for more than 50 years of voluntary work in her local community.

Among her numerous charitable activities, Mrs Shulver collects money for Christian Aid and the Royal British Legion, visits patients with her therapy dog Fudge at All Hallows Hospital, where she is also a volunteer, and is churchwarden and treasurer of her local church, where she organises the flower and grass-cutting rotas.

Jacquelyn Carmichael, 47, of Strasbourg Way, Toftwood, near Dereham, received her BEM for services to service families on the Swanton Morley base.

Edna Woolsey, 82, of St John's Road in Stalham, was recognised for her dedication to her local community with a BEM.

She and husband Bill, former shopkeepers in the town, provided a home-made skatepark on their driveway in 2001, then led a move to build ramps on the recreation ground, through a charity shop on the High Street.

Julian Birley, 56, chairman of the North Norfolk Railway, received a BEM for services to railway heritage.

Do you know someone who works hard for their community? Email David Hannant on david.hannant@archant.co.uk