A Woolwich transport worker has been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours for bravery after keeping bus passengers near Lee Rigby’s killers safe.

Revenue Protection Inspector Amy Nicholson was awarded a British Empire Medal for her selfless act during the fusilier's horrific murder near the Royal Artillery Barracks on May 22 last year.

The 29-year-old had just finished her shift and was on her way home when the bus she was travelling on came to a standstill next to the barracks.

She called Transport for London’s (TfL) control room and was told there were two highly-dangerous men armed with knives and guns and she should leave the area immediately.

But she feared for other passengers, as some were heading towards the danger, and stayed to evacuate buses and lead people to safety behind a police cordon, as well as helping a woman in labour.

Ms Nicholson said: “Someone had just lost their life in horrible circumstances, and at the same place I was witnessing the birth of a new life.

“I didn’t even consider not doing it as it was my duty. I’ve been trained in this job and I’d do it again.”

She was one of two transport workers honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list with Mark Mackenzie, an HR specialist at TfL, gaining an MBE for his contribution to the way lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered staff are treated.

London’s Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy CBE said: “I would like to congratulate Amy and Mark on this special recognition.

“It is well deserved and demonstrates the commitment and passion our staff have for each other and the communities they serve each day.”