MICHAEL Saunders, a former pupil of Hayward’s Primary School and Queen Elizabeth Community College and the only son of Wyn and Peter Saunders of Crediton, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Michael served for 25 years in the Army, finally serving in Singapore and attached to the High Commission, where when he retired he was asked to continue doing the same job, but for the High Commission.

This he has done and his BEM, given for his services both in the UK and abroad, was formally presented to him in Singapore by the Ambassador.

On a recent weekend Michael and his wife Amanda and two of his three daughters, attended Buckingham Palace, where they all met HM The Queen.

They described it as a wonderful event, adding that the Queen looked lovely, was very charming and most interested in Michael’s life.

Margaret Tucker