An Oldham couple honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last year have described the "amazing" experience of receiving their medals at Windsor Castle.

Janet and Bill Heap, aged 73 and 72 respectively, were recognised after more than 50 years of voluntary service to help improve the lives of disadvantaged people, from Oldham to as far away as India and Romania.

On January 31, the couple visited Windsor Castle and took part in the ceremony of receiving their medals from King Charles.

Janet said it was an "amazing day" for herself and Bill, who enjoyed it with some members of their family.

The Oldham Times: Bill and Janet Heap with their medals at Windsor CastleBill and Janet Heap with their medals at Windsor Castle (Image: Janet Heap)

She also described the conversation that was had with King Charles as he presented the medals.

Janet said the King told the couple that people like them were "salt of the earth" and thanked them for their great work over the years.

She added: "He was so friendly and he said when he was in Bolton recently he would have popped in if he'd known how close he was."

Along with the medals, Janet and Bill each received a certificate signed by the Queen before her death, which Janet said was a "nice touch".

The Oldham Times: Bill and Janet with some family members who joined them on the dayBill and Janet with some family members who joined them on the day (Image: Janet Heap)

The couple's work includes raising funds and collecting clothing for children on the streets of India, where they set up a school and funded an ambulance for the local community.

When it came to their work in Romania and Moldova in the 1990s, the couple would take the raised funds there themselves to ensure the money was used properly.

Closer to home, the couple run local groups including a knitting group and the 60s Club at Dovetails on Beal Lane, Shaw, which offers opportunities for older people and helps tackle isolation and loneliness.

The couple also set up a warm bank project at the same location this winter to keep residents warm.

The Oldham Times: The couple have said they will continue their work in the community The couple have said they will continue their work in the community (Image: Janet Heap)

Janet and Bill were one of 87 people to receive their honours at Windsor Castle on the day, and were the only couple, with Janet saying they were told that couples being honoured together was "very rare".

Looking ahead, Janet said the couple will continue their great work "for the foreseeable future".