Epworth actress Sheridan Smith appointed OBE in honours list

Sheridan Smith grew up in Epworth in North Lincolnshire before moving to London at 16

Actress Sheridan Smith has been appointed an OBE in the New Year's Honours list.

The 33-year-old from Epworth, North Lincolnshire, started in showbusiness with her parents' country and western duo, performing gigs in the area.

The star, who has picked up a Bafta and two Olivier Awards, said she was "overwhelmed" at becoming an OBE.

Smith got her first real break in the business at 16 when she moved to London for a part in stage show Bugsy Malone.

Early TV success included supporting roles in The Royle Family and Gavin and Stacey but her career really took off in 2011 when her performance in the musical Legally Blonde won her an Olivier Award.

She said: "I'm sincerely thankful and humbled to be recognised with such an honour.

"I'm overwhelmed and hope to continue doing the work that I love for many years to come."

Also recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours list is retired police officer Geoffrey Ogden, from Brough, East Riding, who is appointed an MBE for services to the community.

Mr Ogden, 71, relaunched local youth event the Humber Night Challenge, an orienteering competition for schoolchildren.

Luana Wai Wai Smith, from Hull, also becomes an MBE for services to the community in the city.

Vincent Lobley, 80, from Scunthorpe, receives a British Empire Medal after seven years' volunteering with Humberside Police, and Deirdre Philips is also recognised with a BEM after 30 years of volunteering work in the East Riding of Yorkshire.