Two sailors from Felixstowe that made nearly 20,000 visors for NHS workers have been awarded British Empire Medals in the Queen's Birthday honours list, announced today.

Simon Scammell and Matt Read, who both live in the town and are owner and head sail maker respectively for Tidemill Way, Woodbridge based Suffolk Sails, were named as recipients of the BEM for their services to frontline health workers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

After an initial 150 visors, funded by the duo, went down so well with doctors at Ipswich Hospital, they were asked to produce more and have made 19,400 to date.

Simon , 47, worked at Dolphin Sails before joining Suffolk Sails in 1998, while Matt is an experienced sailmaker previously at Quantum's sail loft and is a member of his local sailing club Felixstowe Ferry.

Meanwhile, across the river Orwell, rock musician, presenter and broadcaster Rick Wakeman has been made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).