COMMUNITY champions up and down the country are being celebrated in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List.

A total of 1,157 recipients have been awarded from every part of the UK, with a particular focus this year on those who have gone above and beyond for their communities.

From foster carers to health workers, Lionesses to Red Roses as well as champions of the arts and supporters of young people, this year’s recipients reflect the values that bind our country together – decency, compassion and a belief in the common good – as we build a Britain we can all be proud of.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.

“Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”

Recipients being honoured include Idris Elba, awarded a Knighthood for services to young people, Christopher Dean and Jayne Christensen (Torvill) awarded a Knighthood and Damehood respectively for their services to Ice Skating and Voluntary Service, and Cynthia Erivo, who receives an MBE for services to Music and Drama.

Devon Award recipients are:

CBE

Professor Stephen Ernest BELCHER of Exeter, For services to Climate Science

Martin Lynn DAVIES of Honiton, Chair, Cosmic. For services to Employment Provision for People with Disabilities

OBE

Jonathan BISHOP of Cullompton, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Headteacher, Cornerstone Academy Trust in Cullompton. For services to Education

MBE

Vanessa Claire FORD of Totnes, Chief Executive, South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. For services Mental Health Nursing

Professor Christopher Jeremy TREDWIN of Yelverton, Lately Head, Peninsula Dental School. For services to General Practice

BEM

Samantha Louise ABRAHAMS of Plymouth, Founder and Musical Director, La La Choirs. For services to the community in Devon

Gillian Rebecca AINSLIE of Plymouth, Tutor and Assessor, Plymouth Life Centre Bowls Club. For services to the community in Plymouth

David Rodney ALLEN of Exmouth, President, Western Area, British Judo Association and Senior Coach, Exmouth Vikings. For services to Judo

Diane Mary FULLER of Sidmouth, Lately Chair, Sidmouth Health and Care Forum. For services to the community in Sid Valley

Charlotte Anne LUCKETT of Bideford, Principal Surveyor, Valuation Office Agency. For Public Service and to Charity

Victoria Louise SEYMOUR of Ottery St Mary, Lately Tutor, Somerset Skills and Learning. For services to Skills

David Harry STEMBRIDGE KC of Plymouth, For services to the community in Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo

Commodore Stephen THORNE RD, For services to the community in Dorset

John VINCENT of Exeter, Owner, The Network - Tackling Social Exclusion, For services to Public Libraries.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.