Queen's Birthday Honours awarded in the West Country

Clegg Bamber and Anna Miles, from Swindon, have been awarded MBEs for their work to help tackle period poverty in schools

A duo helping to tackle period poverty in schools and a doctor working in Covid-19 research funding are among those on the Queen's Birthday Honours list across the West.

Clegg Bamber and Anna Miles have been made MBEs for services to education.

Their Red Box Project provides free period products to schools.

Dr Joanna Jenkinson from Bath, Head of Infections and Immunity at the Medical Research Council, dedicated her MBE to her team and researchers.

Mr Bamber, 25, and Ms Miles, 36, co-founded the Red Box project which has provided free period products to schools across the country since 2017.

"It did take me by surprise I won't lie. Obviously seeing the honours list come out twice a year and I never ever thought I would see my name on that list. It took my breath away that's for sure," Mr Bamber said.

Teresa Bridgeman has been given an MBE for her flood prevention work

Dr Jenkinson, 43, was involved in the rapid research initiative at the beginning of the pandemic, helping to decide funding allocations to research projects.

"I'm absolutely over the moon. It's not just for me but for the small team I work with and all the researchers who've dedicated their lives to supporting medical research," she said.

Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram, a consultant respiratory physician from Gloucestershire, has been recognised for his services to the NHS with an MBE.

Paula McGowan, pictured with her son Oliver, has been awarded an OBE

Teresa Bridgeman, 59, from Somerset, has also been awarded an MBE for services to flood preparations.

"You don't do it for yourself or your own glory but it's nice that people found time to think about you and to put you forward," she said.

Paula McGowan has been awarded an OBE for services to people with autism and learning difficulties.

Ms McGowan's son Oliver McGowan died at Southmead Hospital in Bristol in November 2016 after his admission for an epileptic seizure. Health bosses apologised after he was given drugs that he was known to be intolerant to.

Colin Elford has been given a British Empire Medal for services to forestry

Firefighter Roger Pickett from Coleford in Gloucestershire said he was "thankful" after being recognised with a British Empire Medal.

British Empire Medals have also been awarded to Coleford mayor Nick Penny, Wiltshire wildlife ranger Colin Elford, Gillian Barker from Newent and Sharon Scrivens from Cirencester.