More than 80 police and fire service officers and Army musicians received Queen’s diamond jubilee medals for their faithful service to the community.

On Wednesday, May 16, a special ceremony took place at Kneller Hall, home of Royal Military School of Music, in Whitton, where senior community leaders and Army officers honoured members of borough’s emergency services and Army musicians.

The mayor of Richmond Councillor Clare Head also joined on the day.

Major General Rutherford-Jones CB, Colonel Commandant of the Army Music Corps, who led the ceremony, said: “This medal award is not only a celebration of 60 glorious years of her majesty’s reign but also to recognise the contribution, commitment and loyalty of those in the service of our nation.”

The medal features a hand-modelled portrait of the Queen on one side and the union flag on the other.

It is awarded to serving and volunteer members of armed forces and emergency services who have at least five years of work by February 6, 2012, the day of 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession.

Members of families and friends of the recipients came to the ceremony to congratulate them on this special occasion.