A long-serving lollipop lady, who has been given an MBE, said her award was good for everyone in the community.

Kathleen Vale, aged 75 and from Dorridge, was given the award by Prince Charles. Mrs Vale has worked in Bentley Heath as a school crossing warden for the past 20 years and her daughter, 37-year-old Mary, is also a lollipop lady in Dorridge.

Mrs Vale said of her award: "It is extremely good for everyone. It is good for the school and the whole neighbourhood. It is good for everyone in the community."

She said a coachload of supporters from the area had travelled down to London to join her at a celebratory lunch.

* Amanda Mason, a former inspector with the West Midlands Police based in Coventry, received the Queen’s Police Medal.

Ms Mason, aged 49, now works for Solihull Community Housing as an anti-social behaviour manager.