For a life given in service..

King gives Elizabeth Emblems in tribute to 38 public servants who died in line of duty

- RUSSELL MYERS and HOLLIE BONE

IN a poignant ceremony at Windsor Castle, the King yesterday handed out the first Elizabeth Emblems, honouring public servants who died in the line of duty.

Charles, 76, presented the award, inscribed "For a Life Given in Service" to the families of 38 people who died between 1948 and 2019, including 24 police officers, 12 firefighters, a nursing officer and a diplomat.

Among the first recipients were Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, whose daughters, police constables Nicola Hughes, 23, and Fiona Bone, 32, died in 2012 after responding to a 999 call.

They were shot and attacked with a grenade after being lured by Dale Cregan, who was wanted for murder.

Bryn and Paul campaigned for the award after being shocked to learn there was no official state recognition for emergency service workers who had died in the line of duty.

After the ceremony, Paul, 76, a retired engineer, said: "It was nice, but emotional. We have been campaigning since the girls died and at least now we have got the medallions. It feels very special."