A paramedic who saved lives in the London Ambulance Service for more than 43 years is one of six Redbridge residents awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Kevin Walker, 66, has been given the British Empire Medal, which rewards local service.

He retired last year as one of the longest standing paramedics in London and had become renowned for his compassion towards patients, commitment and professionalism.

Mr Walker was previously recognised with the Queen’s Long Service Medal for his contribution, including voluntary work and road safety campaigns.

Joyce Nicholls, of Woodford Green, was also awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to fitness.

She may be 85 but Mrs Nicholls is still teaching Keep Fit classes after 56 years in the group.

She worked as an obstetric physiotherapist before devoting more time to Keep Fit when she retired at 70.

As president of the South West Essex Keep Fit Association, Mrs Nicholls choreographs routines and aims to make exercise enjoyable and accessible for all ages, regardless of ability.

A Wanstead doctor who proved that black men are at increased risk of prostate cancer has been made an MBE.

Dr Frank Chinegwundoh, of Redbridge Lane West, is a consultant urological surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust and was awarded for his services to the NHS.

But outside his day job, his research has led him to become chairman of cancer charity Cancer Black Care, which supports sufferers and families fighting the disease.

Dr Chinegwundoh, a father of two, also advises the government based on his research into prostate and bowel cancer.

Another Wanstead resident, Paul Herman, has been made an OBE for his outstanding volunteering work for Leonard Cheshire Disability.

The charity provides social care for disabled people, helps build work and life skills and runs national campaigns.

The director of children’s services at Redbridge Council, John Drew, has been made a CBE for his contribution to youth justice.

Before his move to Redbridge, Mr Drew was the chief executive of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales.

And Ann Frances, of South Woodford, has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath for her work for special education and social care.

She is the director of foundation years and special educational needs at the Department for Education.