Outstanding individuals from The West Midlands in King's Honours
Many have been awarded honours for extraordinary service to their communities
People from across the West Midlands have been recognised for their selfless service to others this New Year.
The King’s New Year Honours List includes recipients who have made exceptional contributions to their local communities and the country as a whole.
The West Midlands has previously been underrepresented in the honours system, with the latest stats showing that just under 5% of honours go to people in this area.
The Prime Minister is committed to ensuring that honours are awarded to people across the whole of the UK, so that the honours system captures and celebrates the fantastic contribution of people from throughout the country.
Lisa Kay from Solihull's been awarded a BEM for services to Ukrainian Refugees and to the community in Solihull.
Lisa told us, she can't put her feelings into words:
"When I opened it, my legs started shaking I had to go and sit down.
"Then when my husband said, that all these different people had written supporting the fact that I'd helped them I just burst into tears and I don't cry."
Also hailing from the West Midlands in Rugby and being made an BEM is Christine Beech who's been part of the Long Lawford Brownies leadership team since 1980.
In Herefordshire, Ellie Somme - founder of the Teddy Trust is receiving an MBE after helping thousands of children across the world to deal with traumatic experiences.
Mike Cladingbowl from Shropshire's receiving his MBE for services to education after working in teaching since 1987.
He told us, his award is about bringing recognition to the hard work done in schools:
"Well it was a real thrill to be told that my work had been recognised.
"But, it's as much about the great colleagues and other volunteers that I've worked with over the years. In fact more so than it is about me."