TO MARK The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a special commemorative medal is being awarded to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and the armed forces with more than five-years service.

Acting as a token of the nation’s thanks, the Platinum Jubilee Medal follows a long history of awarding medals to mark Royal Jubilees, with the first one awarded to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1887.

Among those receiving their medals were five members of the Duns Community Fire and Rescue Service who have a total of 92-years service between them.

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Watch Commander Keith Hall told the Border Telegraph: “It’s good to get recognised but it’s really all about putting something back into the community. We all have day jobs but are on-call to respond to emergencies via pagers.

"It can be very busy at times but it’s not just about putting out fires. We like to encourage school groups and clubs to come along and also conduct fire-safety visits.

“We are always on the lookout for volunteers who will be required to attend two two-week courses so if anyone is interested, they should get in touch. I would certainly recommend it.”

Crew commander David Renton who has 28-years’ service previously received a Golden Jubilee medal in 2002 and a Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012.

He added: “It’s nice to get a bit of recognition for the work we do and others all across the region will also be receiving their medals.

"It is a big commitment but it’s definitely the best job in the world and I’d also recommend it.”

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The medals were awarded to Crew commander David Renton 28yrs, Watch commander Keith Hall 26yrs, Crew Commander Jamie Renton 17yrs, Firefighter Richard Burns 13yrs and Firefighter David Foster 8 yrs.

The Platinum Jubilee Medal was designed by Timothy Noad of the College of Arms and features an image of The Queen with the Latin inscription ‘Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fid Def’ which stands for ‘Elizabeth II, By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

Made of nickel silver and being produced by at Worcestershire Medal Service in Birmingham, the medal will be awarded to: Frontline emergency services personnel, serving members of the Armed Forces and Prison services personnel who have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 February 2022.