A BROMSGROVE resident has received a British Empire Medal, (BEM), from the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire.

Julie Cowley received the medal for services to cricket at a special ceremony held at the Guild Hall in Worcester.

The Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Holcroft presented her the BEM, which was reintroduced to the Queen’s Honours in 2012 as a reward for a sustained, local contribution or innovative, high impact work over a relatively short duration.

Julie works at Warwickshire County Cricket Club and was nominated for her role as an event co-ordinator during the ICC Champions Trophy, held at the club's ground, Edgbaston, in 2013.

Julie said: “I’ve always been very proud to be part of the team here at Edgbaston and to receive a medal for my role in the ICC Champions Trophy is something that I will treasure forever.

“The tournament gave great moments to so many people who came to Edgbaston - I am thrilled to have made such a notable contribution.”

Colin Povey, the club's chief executive, said: “The ICC Champions Trophy was one of the most important periods in the club’s history and for Julie to receive civic recognition for her work is a fantastic achievement.

“Julie is constantly going the extra mile to ensure that our match day experience for our VIPs, sponsors and key stakeholders is amongst the best available in world sport and everyone at Edgbaston is very proud of her achievement.”

In addition to receiving the BEM, Julie has also been invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in the new year.