A HEREFORDSHIRE woman has received her British Empire Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the arts. 

Clare Donegan, from Leominster, is the first female British military artist ever to be awarded a formal decoration.

The multi-award winning and internationally recognised military artist and entrepreneur creates bespoke Rolls of Honour for the armed forces in the UK, Canada, Australia and other countries around the world.

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"Having created a totally niche market within the UK and abroad, the uniqueness of my artwork and reputation is spreading far and wide," said Mrs Donegan.

"My Rolls of Honour depict the current and fallen soldiers names and battle honours handwritten in calligraphy with hand painted cap badges and are now becoming an important part of regimental history in their own right."

Mrs Donegan received her honour at from Lord Lieutenant Edward Harley OBE and Victoria Harley at Grange Court in Leominster.

She was also asked to attend garden party at Buckingham Palace where she was introduced to the Princess Royal and the Duke of Gloucester.