Ex-headteacher and social care volunteer honoured

David Walker, who has 40 years of experience in the education sector, has been appointed an MBE

A former headteacher and a social care volunteer are among a number of community stalwarts who have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

David Walker, who has 40 years of experience in the education sector, said being appointed MBE was "humbling".

Honours are awarded to those who have made significant achievements in public life or who have committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.

This year's list includes a total of 1,227 recipients.

Mr Walker, 69, from Bishop Auckland, has been a headteacher at three different schools across the country, followed by 13 years as an Ofsted inspector.

He has worked within Darlington Council to improve schools.

Then, as an independent education consultant, he supported local authorities to develop children's services.

Mr Walker said: "When the letter dropped through the letterbox saying that I had been nominated for an award, you think 'someone's noticed what I've done after all these years!'

"It's very humbling."

He is now interim chair for Brighter Academy Trust and chair of Horizons Specialist Academy Trust.

'Very proud'

Volunteer Jacqueline Savage, 46, from Stockton-on-Tees, has also been appointed MBE for services to social care.

"It feels rather bizarre, but I am very proud," she said.

Jacqueline Savage has been appointed MBE for services to social care

Mrs Savage, who has worked in social services for the last 30 years, helps train social workers by sharing her story and the impact that social care has had on her life in workshops.

She has a neurological condition, but rather than view this as something which prevents her from doing things, she draws on her experiences to assist in the development of staff.

Mrs Savage said: "I don't see anything extraordinary in the work that I do, I just like voluntary work, I just like giving back."

'Gobsmacked'

Meanwhile, David Saunders has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) after coaching community football for 46 years.

Mr Saunders, who has been recognised for services to the community in Middlesbrough, said he was "utterly gobsmacked" when he got the letter.

"To be honest, I thought it was a wind-up," he said.

The New Year Honours are awarded by the King

Other Teessiders to be honoured include:

• Professor Amritpal Singh Hungin, Knights Bachelor, of Stockton-on-Tees, for services to Medicine

• Zoe Ann Lewis CBE, of Middlesbrough, for services to Further Education

• Martin Gerard McTague OBE, of Newton Aycliffe, for services to Small Businesses

• Andrew Graham OBE, for education for public services to the community in County Durham

• Mary Boyes BEM, of Stockton-on-Tees, for services to education

• Greta Edwards BEM, of Stockton-on-Tees, for services to education

• Melvin James Metcalf BEM, of County Durham, for services to LGBT+ Victim-Survivors of Sexual Violence in the North East

• William Joseph Watson BEM, of Crook, for services to music