A KEIGHLEY community stalwart has been presented with the British Empire Medal.

Chris Bown was awarded the accolade in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last year.

Now the medal has been presented in a ceremony at the University of Huddersfield, by West Yorkshire Lord Lieutenant Ed Anderson.

Chris received the award for services to the community – recognising her “tireless” work for the Salvation Army and Rotary International.

She retired in the summer after nearly 18 years with the town’s Salvation Army. Community manager Chris had taken-up her role with the church in October 2003, although she’d previously helped as a volunteer.

She was accompanied to the presentation by her husband Les, sons Martin and Nathan and eldest granddaughter Isabella.

“That meant a lot to me because my family has been hugely supportive of all the community and charity work I have done,” said Chris. “It was a wonderful occasion. Listening to why people received their awards was extremely moving.”