Joan Barrett, 84, a West Moors resident, has received a posthumous Christmas Island Medal for her late husband following a visit to the Citizens Advice Bus.

Tracey Brightman, outreach adviser, said: “Joan initially came to us for general help and we got chatting about her late husband and how he’d served on Christmas Island. I had heard how people can apply posthumously, so helped Joan with the application.”

Joan said: “I’m really proud to now have this medal. I will definitely wear it to the West Moors Armistice Parade this year with pride.”

Joan’s late husband, Reginald Barrett, served with the Royal Engineers as part of his National Service in 1955-1957 and was posted to Christmas Island.

This is the first medal to be issued by King Charles. The Nuclear Test Medal was announced by the Prime Minister in November 2022 to recognise the significant contribution of military, civilian and overseas staff and personnel who participated in nuclear testing programmes in the 1950s and 1960s.

The Advice Bus visits different locations across East Dorset & Purbeck offering free advice. No appointment is necessary. Visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/get-advice/advice-bus for dates and times. Alternatively call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848.