Woman thought BEM honour was jury summons

Charlotte Clark was honoured for her services within Southwold and Reydon libraries

A community library manager who was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) first thought the letter had been a jury summons.

Charlotte Clark, 47, has worked at Suffolk Libraries in Southwold and Reydon for the past 22 years.

She is one of several people in the county named in the King's Birthday Honours list for her services to literacy and to her community.

She said she hoped the recognition showed how much the library service could offer people.

Ms Clark herself took part in the annual World Book Day at work

"I was shocked, first of all, I thought it was a jury duty summons, and then I was really emotional when I realised what it was," she explained.

"I'm just so pleased and so surprised."

Ms Clark was awarded the BEM after leading numerous initiatives at Southwold Library that still remained at the heart of the community.

She also ran a number of groups and activities for people of all ages, and she was described as an "outstanding character" in the honours.

"I hope [I was given the BEM] just to acknowledge what the library can do for you - it's not just books... we do so much more, and I take this personal nomination as acknowledgement for the library as well," she said.

"I've only really told my parents, and they thought something was wrong because I was so surprised and emotional. They're very, very pleased."

Nick Hulme of East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust said his children had said he was "cool" after his appointment

Nick Hulme, chief executive of East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust, was also appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE).

"I was surprised," he said.

"I've had a long career in the health service, and I don't think I've done anything particularly special.

"It made me think about all the amazing people I've worked with over 45 years in the health service, and it is as much their award as it is mine."

He said it was the work ongoing behind the scenes at the NHS that made the "biggest difference" to people's lives.

Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lady Clare, Countess of Euston, has been appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the King's Birthday Honours

Other people in Suffolk awarded honours include:

• Andrew Francis Harston, regional director of Associated British Ports, is appointed MBE for services to ports

• Audrey Ludwig, founder of Suffolk Law Centre, is appointed MBE for services to Legal Aid in Suffolk

• Mark Stephen Bills, lately director of Gainsborough's House, is appointed MBE for services to art, to museums and to the community in Suffolk

• Andrew James Richardson, chair of Food and Drink Wales Board, is appointed MBE for services to the food and drink sector

• Margaret Jane Chilestone, group lead volunteer at 1st Red Lodge Scout Group, is awarded BEM for services to young people

• Janet Humphrey, police staff at Suffolk Police, is awarded BEM for services to the community in Suffolk

• Russell George Ling, is awarded BEM for services to the community in Otley

• Susan Alexandra Price, chief coach of West Suffolk Group and Suffolk County Chair, Riding for the Disabled, is awarded BEM for services to people with disabilities

• Paul William Snelling, Scout leader at 1st Bures Scouting Group, is awarded BEM for services to young people

• The Lady Clare Amabel Margaret, Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, is appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order