The King’s New Year’s Honours list has been announced today, Monday, which will recognise community champions across the UK.
The list is compiled following recommendations from the prime minister, senior government ministers and members of the public.
The recipients include sporting legends, acting superstars and beloved authors, but many included on the list are not household names.
The honours are often handed out to people who have made a lifelong commitment and profound contribution to the community.
One such person is Ruth Agnew, who is the chief governance and central support officer at Co-op Multi Academy Trust.
The trust includes schools across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Staffordshire and Merseyside.
Ruth, who lives in Warrington, will be given the honour of Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year for her services to education.
Also on the Honours List is Lee Rawlinson, who was the director of the Environment Agency, which is based on Knutsford Road in Latchford.
Lee, who lives in Widnes, covered Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire in his time as a director.
He will be recognised for services to the environment and will also receive an MBE.
“Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities,” said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
“They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does.
“The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”
The pair will be in good company when they receive their honours, as they will be joined by Team GB superstar Keely Hodgkinson and mountain biker Tom Pidcock.
Actor Stephen Fry is among those set to be knighted in the New Year Honours for services to mental health awareness, the environment and to charity.