Gosberton Risegate musician Liz Lenten and Donington man John Goree named in New Year's Honours List

The difference made to the community by two people in South Holland has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List.

Musician and vocal animator Liz Lenten (59) has been awarded the British Empire Medal for helping children and young people, often those living in challenging circumstances, to shine through music over the past 20 years.

While Donington man John Goree has been given the British Empire Medal for services to the disabled in Lincolnshire and the Midlands following a 39-year career in social care.

Ms Lenton said she was 'gobsmacked' to have been nominated.

She said: "I am overwhelmed and absolutely thrilled. I can't quite take it in as it is such an honour and reward for everything and is reward enough in the work.

"This is a bonus - I have never won a raffle before so this is amazing."

Mr Goree, who had moved to Donington earlier this year but had previously lived in Grantham, was also delighted to have been honoured.

During his long career, Mr Goree devised schemes and projects for ‘person-centered’ care before his retirement in April.

He said: "I am humbled and honoured and originally struggled to understand why I have been nominated as all I was doing is my job in making sure that people were supported to lead the lives they wanted."

While paralympian Jody Cundy, whose parents live in Long Sutton, has been awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to cycling.