Lord Chesham, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, acting on behalf of the Queen, presented the British Empire Medal to Coxswain Sidney Cann, of Appledore, at the Ministry of Transport on yth October.

Fifteen other B.E.M.s were also presented, and among those present was Dr.

Beeching.

Coxswain Cann was awarded the B.E.M. in this year's Birthday Honours list..