A volunteer from Surbiton's Royal Star and Garter (RSG) care home was named on the Queen's New Year's Honour's list.

RSG said that long-term volunteer John Parvin was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen's New Year's Honours list for his years of voluntary service to veterans.

Meanwhile, Mr Parvin's wife Lesley, her sister Shirley Pass, and Shirley's husband Terry also received recognition of their services to the renowned regional care home, receiving the Kingston Mayor's Community Award.

Mr Parvin received the medal at a ceremony on Friday April 5.

Previously, the four volunteers were presented with the Kingston Mayor's Community Award, with Mr and Mrs Parvin receiving it during a special ceremony attended by the mayor, Councillor Thay Thayalan, himself last month.

RSG said that Mr and Mrs Pass were unable to attend that ceremony, so a special tea party was held at the Surbiton Home on Tuesday 9 April, where all four were thanked by staff and residents, and Mr Parvin was congratulated for his BEM.

Speaking after the party, Mr Parvin said: "It was a brilliant party and we were touched that so many residents and staff were there, it was a lovely gesture.

"All four of us found it very humbling."

The modern BEM award was founded in 1922 to recognize "meritorious civil or military service" in Commonwealth countries.

The Royal Star and Garter Homes cares for ex-Servicemen and women and their partners living with disability or dementia.

More information about RSG's Surbiton care home can be found online at: https://starandgarter.org/our-homes-and-care/surbiton/