A FATHER and daughter from Inverclyde are believed to have made history by being simultaneously presented with the British Empire Medal.

James Owens and Janice Hendrie received the medals from The Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire on behalf of the Queen in the Grand Corridor of the Municipal Buildings on Friday, right.

Officials believe it may be the first time in the UK that such a ceremony has happened. The BEM is awarded to people who have demonstrated dedicated service at the highest possible level in a local area and which has delivered a real impact to their community.

James was honoured for services to badminton in the West of Scotland. He has been an inspiration to thousands of young children and young people at local and national level through schools and community clubs, providing coaching to clubs and transport to competitive events in Inverclyde and the West of Scotland for over 60 years. He has worked with disadvantaged children and young people and was joint winner of the inaugural Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year.

James began to coach groups and school pupils in 1950. In 1960 he coached junior members in the Gamble Halls. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Columba Badminton Club and became an active member of the West of Scotland Committee, being its treasurer for 15 years.

His daughter Janice was rewarded for her services to sport and wellbeing in Inverclyde. Through her work as a PE teacher and coach she has helped thousands of youngsters to take part in athletics.

She has helped to develop Inverclyde Athletic Club’s young athlete development plans, sending her proteges to regular Scottish District and National titles.

A number of her pupils have gone on to represent Scotland and the UK.

Janice has been named Participation Coach of the Year twice by the sport’s governing body, Scottish Athletics Ltd.

She was also awarded the BBC Sports Scotland Unsung Hero of the Year Award in 2013 and carried the Olympic Torch in 2012 and the Queen’s Baton for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.