Three Merton residents have received medals recognition of their contribution to the community.

Peter Steiner, 85, from Morden, Rosey Hickson, from West Wimbledon and Philip Froomberg, from Wimbledon all received the British Empire Medal at the Tower of London on December 7. 

For 23 years Mr Steiner, vice-president of charity Merton and Morden Guild, delivered hot meals to elderly residents in the borough with his wife and has volunteered at the RAF museum for the last 20 years.

Mrs Hickson is a founding member of the Wimbledon Women’s Institute (WI) and Wimbledon Bookfest and has for many years worked to raise funds for St Raphael’s Hospice and the NSPCC.

She has also worked with the Girl Guides for the last 30 years and is a leader at the 1st Wimbledon Brownies and has served as a district and division commissioner.

Mr Froomberg was awarded his medal in recognition of 20 years service volunteering for the SSAFA armed forces veterans in Wimbledon.

The British Empire Medal was established in 1922 but was pulled out of circulation in 1992, only to be reinstated for the Queen's Jubilee this year.