Elizabeth Hamilton, a 76-year-old security guard from Bangor in County Down, received an MBE at Windsor Castle. Princess Anne presented the honour and noted Hamilton's 28 years of service in the ring of steel and at Stormont Castle.

Hamilton has worked at Stormont Castle since 1979, checking passes, commercial vehicles and greeting the public. She received the award in the New Year Honours list.

Princess Anne told Hamilton to continue her work, adding that she knew her background. Hamilton introduced herself as Elizabeth Rose Hamilton during the presentation.

Earlier in her career, Hamilton served in the Civilian Search Unit in Belfast during the Troubles. She searched people, buses and vans at checkpoints.

On March 3, 1978, near St Anne's Cathedral in Lower Donegall Street, colleague Norma Spence, aged 25, and trooper James Nowasad, aged 21, of the Royal Tank Regiment, died during security checks known as the Rag Day Killings.

Hamilton described the role as frightening and recalled a bomb at the Grand Central Hotel that affected her hearing for six months. She accepts the MBE on behalf of all working people.