Honours given to flood rescuers

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A number of people have been recognised in the New Year Honours list for their work during this year's floods.

Salvation Army Captain Tracey Palmer was made an MBE after giving shelter to children in Worksop, Notts, while their parents tried to save their homes.

Another 11 people were also honoured for services to rescue operations during the devastating summer floods.

Sporting heroes, voluntary workers and actors are among others recognised across England.

Cpt Palmer said she was honoured and humbled to receive the award for her work during flooding.

"Lots of people were involved and I really do feel I am sharing this award with them," she said.

Sporting achievements

Among those honoured for rescue services included retained fire station manager Philip Ryan, of Tewkesbury, and Leslie Adams, from York, who were both appointed MBE for services to flood rescue.

Other recipients are Daniel Bailey, Sheffield; Jonathan Fenn, Newbury; Paul Jones, Hereford; Michael Lee, Henley-on-Thames; Phillip Nicholson, Bingham, Notts; Annette Senior, Sheffield; Andrew Shaw, Sheffield; Lawrence Wall, Malvern; and Andrew Wilson, Sheffield.

Elsewhere, the England rugby union team coach, Brian Ashton, has been appointed MBE, while veteran broadcaster Michael Parkinson receives a knighthood.

And chairman of the Lake District National Park Authority, George Thornton, 74, has been appointed OBE.

Gordon Taylor, a former Bolton and Blackburn player and now chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, has been appointed OBE for services to sport.

Children's hospital

Lilian Mina, who spearheaded the campaign to restore Harrogate's historic Royal Hall theatre, has become a MBE.

Ms Mina, who helped raise £2.7m in her role as chairman of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, said she was "very surprised and delighted" with the accolade.

Cynthia Cormack has been appointed MBE for services to child healthcare with the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town.

Also to be made MBE is a bus driver from Wearside, the Reverend David Alan Hands, of the Sunderland Depot, recognised for his services to public transport.

Service men and women to feature on the list include the chief fire officer in Somerset, Paul Young, who has been appointed CBE for services to local government.

The deputy chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, Julia Hodson, 50, said it was a "great honour" to be awarded a Queen's Police Medal.