From a selfless social worker to a stalwart of the city's education sector, the hard work and dedication of people across Norwich have been recognised in the King's New Year Honours list.

Christine Futter, formerly of Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to adult social care.

Norwich Evening News: Christine Futter has been made an MBE for services to adult social careChristine Futter has been made an MBE for services to adult social care (Image: Christine Futter)

Dr Futter, who lives in South Walsham, dedicated 37 years of her life to social care - spending time at Norfolk County Council before becoming chief operating officer at Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support.

She was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of East Anglia and City College Norwich in 2021 before retiring in July 2023.

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She now does voluntary work and sits on the board of directors at the Norfolk Care Association.

"I have dedicated my life to social care," she said. 

"It is a sector that I don't believe gets the recognition it deserves.

"But I have always wanted to educate people about how hard working and dedicated people in social care are.

Norwich Evening News: King Charles and Queen Camilla on the balcony of Buckingham PalaceKing Charles and Queen Camilla on the balcony of Buckingham Palace (Image: PA)

"I'm overwhelmed, a little surprised and very honoured to be made an MBE.

"But I would like to dedicate it to the social care sector."

Elaine Hinchcliffe-Dale, director of special educational needs and disabilities support at City College Norwich, has been made an OBE for services to further education.

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According to colleagues at the college, Elaine - who became a member of staff in 2011 - has made an "enormous difference" to thousands of students at the college.

Her passion and "inclusive leadership" has been key to embedding a culture of inclusion for students across all areas of the curriculum. 

"It’s amazing to have achieved this unbelievable award," she said.

"I work with an incredible team of dedicated talented people and this honour is dedicated to all of us, not just me.

Norwich Evening News: Elaine Hinchliffe-DaleElaine Hinchliffe-Dale (Image: David Kirkham)

“Education wasn’t easy for me with being neurodiverse. At school I was told that I wouldn’t achieve and I was written off. Moving to Norfolk, I flourished.

“All this coupled with a challenging childhood. I could never have imagined my life would turn out the way it has. I really think it is important to share my story so that others can see and believe it."

Other locals to feature in the New Year Honours include Ian Sears, a Norwich-based commercial specialist at the Cabinet Office, has been made an OBE for public service.

Mr Sears said: "I am extremely proud to be mentioned in the King's New Year Honours List and have my public service recognised in this way.

"It's quite a moment for myself and my family as you can imagine and will take some time to sink in."

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Elizabeth Powell has been awarded the Bar to the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for her services to the community in Brooke, Norfolk.

Mrs Powell was a secretary at the Brooke Women's Institute and trustee of Brooke Village Hall. She died in November 2023 and her BEM is to be dated November 28, 2023.

Francisco Davila has been awarded a BEM for services to the community in Wymondham. Mr Davila graduated from the University of East Anglia with a degree in Health Sciences.

Norwich Evening News: Lauren Hemp at Carrow RoadLauren Hemp at Carrow Road (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images)

He served as a town councillor and has run as a Conservative candidate for Wymondham in recent local elections. Mr Davila has also been responsible for setting up several community groups in the area. 

England football star and former Norwich City youth player Lauren Hemp - who is from North Walsham - has also been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to football.

Founder and chair of popular pub chain Wetherspoons, Tim Martin, has also been knighted for services to hospitality and culture.

Mr Martin was born in Norwich in 1955 but his father was in the RAF and he moved away as a youngster and spent most of his childhood in New Zealand and Belfast.

Norwich Evening News: Tim Martin, who was born in NorwichTim Martin, who was born in Norwich (Image: PA)