TWO Caerphilly borough residents were awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of their work in the community on the Queen’s 2015 birthday honours list.

Donald Braithwaite, 78, of Llanbradach, Caerphilly, was presented with the award for services to boxing while Katherine Hughes of Caerphilly received her honour for voluntary and environmental services.

Ms Hughes, who was heavily involved with the Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital and Keep Wales Tidy, appreciated the help she received from the community.

“I would like to say thank you to all the people in the community who have helped with all the projects,” she said.

“I am very happy to receive this honour.”

From 2005-11, Ms Hughes was the Chair of Keep Wales Tidy and helped integrate the organisation alongside the Welsh Government, becoming one of its key partners.

The environmentally focused group also gained an Investor in People award and was listed on the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies in Which To Work during her chairwomanship.

Her influence in the district helped to create a new community centre, improving the health, educational and other provisions to the Caerphilly borough.

Mr Braithwaite, a former professional boxer, has not only trained numerous young men over the past 46 years, but his efforts have helped to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

“I am happy to receive this honour,” he said.

“It’s a proud day and I am happy to have my friends and family here with me.”

He represented Wales at the 1958 Empire Games in Cardiff, winning a bronze in the flyweight category, before embarking on a successful training career.

Two of his star protégées are Anthony Davies and Aneurin Evans, with both athletes winning silver medals at the 1970 and 1986 editions of the Commonwealth Games respectively.

Along with this medal, Mr Braithwaite received lifetime membership of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association in 1985 and a Fellowship of the Swansea Institute of education for his sporting services.

The medals were presented by The Lord-Lieutenant Sir Simon Boyle, the Queen’s representative for the County of Gwent and the Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council Councillor Leon Gardiner at Penallta House.

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “Since the British Empire Medal was reinstated in 2012, across Gwent the award has been given to a huge variety of people who have done wonderful things.

“It is a great honour to present this award to two talented and deserving people.”