Women honoured for community work in North Yorkshire

Mrs Grice and Mrs Dudley-Smith have both done charity work

Two women who have dedicated much of their lives to community work in North Yorkshire have been appointed MBE in the New Year Honours list.

Sylvia Grice, 77, has been honoured for her services to swimming and to the community of Ripon.

Susan Dudley-Smith, 64, has been recognised for her work with the Riding for Disabled Association and to the community of Thorganby.

A number of other people in the county were honoured in the list.

For more than 40 years, Mrs Grice has taught thousand of people to swim at all levels, including disabled children and adults.

In 1985 she was made lead swimming teacher at Ripon Spa Baths - a post she still occupies.

She has received public recognition for her charitable and voluntary work and continues to devote her time to community activities such as the Ripon Spa Gardens Cafe.

'Totally overwhelmed'

She has also raised more than £17,000 for various charities and £10,000 for Meningitis Appeal in memory of two local boys.

Mrs Grice said she was humbled to receive the honour.

"I am totally overwhelmed and really quite humbled.

"I just love it and I couldn't see why I should get an award for doing something that I love so much."

Mrs Dudley-Smith has been a volunteer with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) for 34 years.

As well as her RDA activities, 25 years ago she founded the Good News Club to give children in the village a meeting point.

She has given much of her time to a number of good causes, including the National Trust and is a volunteer car driver for elderly people.

Speaking about her honour, Mrs Dudley-Smith said she felt "incredible pride".