HAMPSHIRE residents, including two from the Basingstoke area, have officially received their titles after being recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. 

At a ceremony in Winchester on Monday, September 18, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson Esq, presented awards on behalf of King Charles to seven residents.

One of those was Steve Edney, from Chineham, who has raised more than £100,000 for The Brittle Bone Society, a cause very close to his heart as his son, Max, suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta - a genetic bone disorder.

Basingstoke Gazette: Image L-R: Cadet WO Jack Semmelhaack; Mr Selwyn Walker; Mr Malcolm Dent; Mrs Ann Norman; Mrs Linda Matthews; HM Lord-Lieutenant; Mr Stephen Edney; Mr Virendra Patel; Mr Andrew Wing; Cadet CSM Amelia LancasterImage L-R: Cadet WO Jack Semmelhaack; Mr Selwyn Walker; Mr Malcolm Dent; Mrs Ann Norman; Mrs Linda Matthews; HM Lord-Lieutenant; Mr Stephen Edney; Mr Virendra Patel; Mr Andrew Wing; Cadet CSM Amelia Lancaster (Image: Tony Knight Photography & MEDIA)

Described as the "nicest person in Basingstoke",  Steve received a British Empire Medal (BEM) and will also attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2024.

Steve, who is also chairman of Basingstoke Gang Show, said: "I'm very grateful to receive this medal. There are some outstanding people in the communities across the country who volunteer a great deal of time and effort into a variety of different causes, and I'm just the lucky one who someone nominated.

"I'm very proud and humbled to be recognised."

Preston Candover resident Selwyn Walker was also given a BEM for services to his community.