North Ayrshire residents have been awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s last week.

Irvine woman Theresa McElhone will receive an MBE after improving breastfeeding standards across Scotland while an Arran store manager, Liz Mclean, and Largs milkman William Brown will receive a BEM for leading in the community response to COVID-19.

Liz Mclean’s citation highlighted how the store was at the centre of the Isle of Arran’s community response, working round the clock to ensure deliveries were made to hundreds of elderly and vulnerable residents and liaising with foodbank volunteers and social services.

Liz Mclean said: “It was a feeling of disbelief when I received the letter, I thought it was a hoax at first!

“I love our customers to bits, they are brilliant. And, the way the community has responded has been incredible.

“Local businesses, volunteers, community groups, the local authorities and especially the Port Manager of Calmac, all co-operating and helping the community to get through this together.

“In addition, the whole Co-op team has been fantastic, so it feels like this is as much in recognition of all their hard work too. I really am delighted.”

Theresa McElhone, UNICEF Infant Feeding Adviser who previously worked as a midwife at Ayrshire Central, given an MBE for her services to healthcare and families.

She said: “I was a bit shocked to be honest. I was very surprised but thrilled at the same time.

“You sort of feel that you are just doing your job, but it is rather nice to have the recognition I have to admit.”