They have worked tirelessly for their community. EDP reporters look at the heroes recognised in this year's New Year's Honours list.

Norwich Evening News: Musical Keys hae been given £1,500 by Portal Voice and Data after being victims of a the Business Telecom scam.; Pictured is joint chair Clare Grant., right, with manager Sallie Eastick and assistan manager Ray Long; photo by Adrian JuddMusical Keys hae been given £1,500 by Portal Voice and Data after being victims of a the Business Telecom scam.; Pictured is joint chair Clare Grant., right, with manager Sallie Eastick and assistan manager Ray Long; photo by Adrian Judd (Image: Archant Norfolk 2011)

A grandmother who works tirelessly for her village community is among those honoured in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.

From co-ordinating the luncheon club and taking older people on days out, to giving carers a break at a dementia support group and helping youngsters with their homework, Maureen Dougall, 74, is dedicated to Brundall life.

The grandmother of two, of Long Meadow, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to the Broadland village.

Norwich Evening News: Ian Clayton, principal at Thorpe St Andrew high. Photo: Bill SmithIan Clayton, principal at Thorpe St Andrew high. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2013)

The retired Thorpe St Andrew teacher, whose community work comes from her involvement with Brundall church, said she was 'absolutely dumbfounded' when news broke about her award.

'I just enjoy doing it,' she said. 'I feel like I am giving something back to the community, I just like helping people.'

Her work has spanned more than a decade and touched both the lives of the young and old. She has been co-ordinating the Brundall Luncheon Club for the last 10 years, giving older people a homemade meal and a chance to socialise with others.

Another initiative Mrs Dougall is involved with is a group which takes the retired on day trips – from river rides to visits to stately homes – as well as a Alzheimer's group in the village, called Forget Me Not.

Norwich Evening News: Musical Keys hae been given £1,500 by Portal Voice and Data after being victims of a the Business Telecom scam.; Pictured is joint chair Clare Grant., right, with manager Sallie Eastick and assistan manager Ray Long; photo by Adrian JuddMusical Keys hae been given £1,500 by Portal Voice and Data after being victims of a the Business Telecom scam.; Pictured is joint chair Clare Grant., right, with manager Sallie Eastick and assistan manager Ray Long; photo by Adrian Judd (Image: Archant Norfolk 2011)

A study club for youngsters was also started in September this year.

But for Mrs Dougall, whose husband Ian Dougall plays the church organ, said she wouldn't have been honoured if it was not for others who also help in the community.

'The more you put in, the more you get out. It's so much better to be involved in things, of course all with the support of my family.

'But this isn't just for me. It's for all of the people that I have worked with

Norwich Evening News: Tri-athlete Chrissie Wellington inspiring us to join a parkrun. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYTri-athlete Chrissie Wellington inspiring us to join a parkrun. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2015)

Wendy Maxwell: 'A lifeline for so many'

It is a lifeline for hundreds of carers who struggle to look after their loved ones every day.

Norwich Evening News: Adrian Smith CBEAdrian Smith CBE (Image: Archant)

Wendy Maxwell, of Holt Road, Hellesdon, has run an online community for carers, Chill 4 Us Carers for 13 years and has campaigned tirelessly to give computers to around 500 people those who can't afford them.

It was the experience of looking after her mother Irene Hodkinson who was battling pancreatic cancer which inspired Mrs Maxwell to seek better support for carers. Now she has been made an MBE for her services to the cause.

'It's part of my life now,' the 73-year-old grandmother said. 'So many people say they couldn't do without it, they have been telling me for years it's their life support. They can open up their heart and speak to people who understand. It's a great honour to be made an MBE.'

Norwich Evening News: Rebecca Lyne will be receiving the British Empire Medal in teh New Year's Honours List for her work in setting up the Bank in Eye.Rebecca Lyne will be receiving the British Empire Medal in teh New Year's Honours List for her work in setting up the Bank in Eye. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2015)

Ian Clayton: Thorpe St Andrew School

Teacher Ian Clayton said how he was 'very humbled' to have been made an MBE and was keen to emphasise the role that the wider community played in his honour.

Mr Clayton, who has been the principal at Thorpe St Andrew School for the last 15 years, was recognised for his services to education and desire to raise standards across the county and at a national level.

Norwich Evening News: Carol Dorothy Wiles is made an MBECarol Dorothy Wiles is made an MBE (Image: Archant)

He has worked in Norfolk for more than 30 years, including at Oriel High, Acle High and Costessey High.

'I have the responsibility and am ultimately judged about the Thorpe St Andrew set of results, but my view has been wider than that in terms of education,' he said. 'It's not a narrow view that I have about league tables and exam results, it is a passionate belief in what education is about.'

Mr Clayton has lived in Lowestoft since 1985.

Norwich Evening News: Pauline Simpson a lay minister is leading a service of remembrance for Far East prisoners of war in front of the Queen and Prince Philip. Her father Sidney George Vincent was captured by the Japanese and made to work the Death Railway.Picture: MARK BULLIMOREPauline Simpson a lay minister is leading a service of remembrance for Far East prisoners of war in front of the Queen and Prince Philip. Her father Sidney George Vincent was captured by the Japanese and made to work the Death Railway.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Sallie Eastick: Musical Keys

A Norwich woman has been named in the New Year's Honours List after dedicating 25 years of her life to helping children with disabilities.

Sallie Eastick, 67, from north Norwich, is to be made an MBE for her work.

In 1990 she founded children's charity Musical Keys after realising there was not a support network for families outside the hospital and having a son with special needs.

She said: 'At the time there wasn't the freedom to go to places and feel comfortable and now Musical Keys has helped thousands.'

Receiving a grant of £200 to start the project originally, the charity has gone from strength to strength and Ms Eastick is now chief executive officer.

She tirelessly pushed to keep the charity running and expand the services it offers. She said: 'I could see what benefits my son was getting from it and I thought the charity should stay and grow to help others.'

The organisation combines music, movement and arts to help youngsters learn new skills and improve confidence.

Chrissie Wellington: Retired triathlete and campaigner for sport

World Ironman Champion Chrissie Wellington found out she was being made a CBE on the day she gave birth to her first child.

The Feltwell-based athlete, 38, gave birth to Esme Grace Lowe on December 10 - the same day she received the letter giving her the honours news.

Having been made an MBE in 2010 for her outstanding achievements in triathlon, her CBE came for her work for ParkRun, and her efforts in successfully campaigning for a women's race in the Tour de France, which now takes place on the last day of the event.

She said: 'I really appreciate it and it's fantastic to be honoured.

'It's just as much for my family who were all there to share the day at Buckingham Palace last time, and this time Esme will be there too.'

Adrian Smith: deputy director of National Offender Management Service in East of England

Adrian Smith has been made a CBE after 42 years working in the prison service.

Mr Smith, 66, from Ashill, has risen to become deputy director of the National Offender Management Service in the East of England, managing ten prisons in the region.

He said the news had come as a surprise.

'I am absolutely delighted and amazed.

'I joined the prison service in 1973 and could have retired six years ago but I like it too much,' he said.

Mr Smith initially rose to governor of HM Prison Send in Surrey, before taking over HM Elmley in Kent.

Pauline Simpson: National FEPOW Fellowship Welfare Remembrance Association

Pauline Simpson has received a British Empire Medal, on the back of a year in which she organised the 70th anniversary VJ Day service of remembrance.

It took months of planning for Mrs Simpson to organise the event, which took place in London, and was attended by The Queen and Prince Phillip.

Her father was a Far East Prisoner of War (FEPOW) who endured three and a half years of brutal captivity, including a spell on the notorious Death Railway.

Mrs Simpson has been recognised for her role as the secretary to the national FEPOW Fellowship Welfare Remembrance Association, and for voluntary service to the Former Far East Prisoners of War community.

Speaking about the 70th anniversary service, Mrs Simpson, said: 'This year is particularly special because of the 70th anniversary of the VJ Day, it's great the nation recognised not only that day alongside VE Day, but also the FEPOWS, they are no longer the 'Forgotten Army'.'

Art lover Rebecca Lyne banks on support for medal recognition

A Norfolk art lover has been named in the New Year's Honours List for her work in bringing creative activities to the Suffolk town of Eye.

Rebecca Lyne, 41, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community for her role at The Bank arts venue.

Ms Lyne, from Brockdish, near Diss, is the volunteer co-ordinator at The Bank in Castle Street and was instrumental in transforming the former HSBC building into a thriving arts centre, which opened in April 2013.

After joining the Eye Arts Guild about 16 years ago Ms Lyne realised there was a need for an arts and educational venue in the area to help bring young and old together.

With the support of partner Christopher Parr and volunteers, she set out on her quest to find a suitable venue.

The Bank, a not for profit community organisation which has a team of about 20 volunteers and an organising committee, has more than 100 members who take part in various activities, such as creative writing and life drawing, and prides itself on bringing a wide range of acts and shows to Eye.

Ms Lyne said: 'I am just delighted that the project and the work the community has put in has been recognised with this award.'

Harleston woman's dedication to community is recognised with MBE

A grandmother from Harleston has said she cannot 'stop smiling' after learning she has been made a MBE.

Carol Wiles said she didn't expect it despite her contributions to numerous causes and organisations in the town.

Mrs Wiles is a committee member on Harleston's Future, founded to benefit the social and economic well-being of the town, and was a founding member of community's newspaper The Grapevine.

The 66-year-old, who has four children, a surrogate daughter and 11 grandchildren, said: 'I do all what I do because I love Harleston and the people are special. I walk up the street and people in the shops wave, it's like a town of good friends. I have had so much fun over the years that it has never been a chore at all.'