Director Ridley Scott honoured in New Year list

Film director Ridley Scott has been made a Knight Grand Cross

Film director Ridley Scott has been made a Knight Grand Cross in the New Year Honours list.

Sir Ridley, who was awarded a knighthood in 2002, was born in South Shields and studied at West Hartlepool College of Art.

He went on to direct many films, including Alien, Gladiator and recently the historical biopic Napoleon.

The director has been recognised for his services to the UK film industry, and joins a host of people from the north-east of England being honoured for their work.

Among those being honoured is David Wallace, who has been appointed MBE for voluntary service to maritime safety for his work with the RNLI.

Mr Wallace joined Seaham Lifeboat Station in 1973 and held various roles with the RNLI, including deputy division engineer before he became senior fleet staff engineer.

He is set to retire in May 2024 as one of the charity's longest serving staff members.

Michelle Southern has been appointed OBE for founding Street Paws

Michelle Southern, from Northumberland, has become an OBE for founding Street Paws.

The charity provides free accessible vet care and support to homeless people and their pets across the UK.

Alice Ellis, based in Morpeth, Northumberland, has been been appointed MBE for services to the NHS.

As a consultant urologist at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, she spearheaded a campaign to raise awareness of bullying in the workplace.

Brian Palmer has also been appointed OBE for services to manufacturing and skills.

Mr Palmer re-invented his family metal business into leading UK robotics firm Tharsus UK.

Nigel Begg, from Sunderland, has been appointed MBE for his services to Digital and Technology Industry Growth in the North East.

Mr Begg founded Aspire Technology Solutions, which helps protect businesses from potential threats.

Others to be honoured include:

• Denise Speight, BEM, of Newcastle, for services to local government for her work as chargehand cleaner during the pandemic

• Robert Williamson, OBE, for his work in the charity sectors, most notably as CEO of The Community Foundation Tyne and Wear & Northumberland

• Penelope Walters, BEM, for services to the community in Byker, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic

• Gwyneth McKenzie, MBE, for her voluntary work as a leader in the Scout Association in Northumberland for 50 years

• Ronald Wright, BEM, for his work as an on-call firefighter for 25 years which included preparing vehicles to be donated to Ukraine