Saundersfoot’s county councillor was among those from the county that have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this month.

Clr. Phil Baker receives the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his service to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, licensing and major events, Clr. Baker said that he was “extremely humbled” at the honour.

“In early March I really wanted to help the residents of Saundersfoot and area during the onset of lockdown. I consider this to be recognition of all the community groups and volunteers, especially Saundersfoot Connect, Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism and Saundersfoot Community Council.

“As the situation, changed not only did we support shielding and vulnerable residents, but also welcomed our visitors to a safe environment and supported our local independent businesses.

“I would also pay tribute to my wife Ann who supported me through the months when we dealt with over 500 phone calls,” he added.

The Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council congratulated Clr. Baker on his award.

“This is a tremendous honour and well deserved recognition for all Phil’s work during the coronavirus crisis, not just in his own area of Saundersfoot but throughout the county,” said PCC leader David Simpson.

“As a local authority, we are all very proud of him.”

The list was postponed from June in order to honour recipients who have been making an outstanding contribution to tackle coronavirus in their communities.

Others across the county to be honoured with a BEM include - housing tenancy officer Liam Hewitt, who works for the Pembrokeshire Care Society; agricultural mental health charity founder Emma Picton-Jones, who set up the DPJ Foundation, in 2016, following the death of her husband Daniel; and charity stalwart and Lions International member Gwyneth Evans who set up Fishguard’s Paul Satori Hospice charity shop.