THE great and the good have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

Among the Dorset residents named in the annual list is Elizabeth Spreadbury, of Bournemouth, awarded the MBE for services to her community.

Since 1986, Elizabeth has volunteered with the Samaritans.

She has also served as chair of governors for the Federation of Bethany and St Clements School, and since 1995 has been a governor and trustee of the Bishop of Winchester Academy in Bournemouth.

In more recent years, Elizabeth, now 75, has been a member of the Poole and Bournemouth Education Appeals Panel and the Bournemouth Local Safeguarding Children's Board, as well as acting as chair of the Communications Sub Group, launched specifically to raise awareness of safeguarding issues.

In 2003, Elizabeth helped to found Dorset Action Abuse, which supports adult survivors of childhood abuse.

Husband Noel was awarded an MBE for services to education in 2007.

Jane Portman, executive director for adults and children’s services at Bournemouth council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to hear that Elizabeth has received an MBE, it is very well deserved.

"Elizabeth has contributed so much to the Bournemouth community and to local education and her commitment to the Samaritans working with victims of domestic abuse. It’s also lovely to see such a popular, hard working and well liked Bournemouth couple both having now received the honour.”

Elizabeth said she was "completely gobsmacked" by the honour, adding: "If it raises the profile of the organisations I work with, that would make me very happy."

Claire Hodgson, who lives in Swanage, has been awarded the MBE for services to inclusion and integration in the arts.

The 44-year-old founded dance company Diverse City (DC) in 2006 with the aim of showcasing the abilities of diverse groups, and has spent many years ensuring there are equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the arts.

In 2012, Claire produced the opening show for the Olympic sailing events in Weymouth with DC.

Working with disabled artist Jamie Beddard, she founded Extraordinary Bodies, which was awarded the main Clore Prize Fund of £100,000 in 2014.

Recently retired Royal Navy officer Commander Lee Hardy has been awarded the OBE.

The 54-year-old, who left the services in November after 36 years, has been recognised for his work in the British Indian Ocean territory Diego Garcia.

 Cdr Hardy, now working as a maritime enforcement and analysis advisor at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: “This award is an extraordinary, and unexpected, honour that recognises not only the work I did but the dedicated and highly professional team in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

“I was assisted by colleagues, across the rank and seniority structure, who gave their best in sometimes trying circumstances but always selflessly and with unfailing good humour. 

“It was a privilege to be deployed with, and command, such a strong team and this award is testament to their considerable achievements.” 

Cdr Hardy was born and raised in Wimborne, attending Queen Elizabeth's School before joining the Navy in 1980.

The AFC Bournemouth supporter lives with wife Sandra in Corfe Mullen.

Weymouth couple Roy and Kathleen Shayler received an MBE for services to children and families.

They began fostering for Wolverhampton City Council in 1972, and have supported more than 150 children from a range of backgrounds.

In addition, the couple have offered respite arrangements to foster children, usually to give parents and carers a break.

Mark Ives, awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to the community, has helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for good causes in Blandford.

From launching fundraising appeals for new youth centres to collecting donations as a member of the Parochial Church Council, the 72-year-old, a former chairman of the Winterborne Kingston Parish Council, has been lauded for his "public-spirited approach to life".

OTHER HONOURS Julie Catherine Armstrong. Higher Executive Officer, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence. (Wimborne, Dorset) Felicity Belfield. For services to Supporting Musicians and Dancers. (Dorset) Sandra Ann Brown. For services to Culture and the community in Bridport Dorset. (Bridport, Dorset) Timothy John Brown. Managing director Superior Group Ltd. For services to Business and Apprenticeships and charitable services in Southern England. (Poole, Dorset) Stella Barbara Dean. For voluntary services to the Fishing Community in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. (New Milton, Hampshire) Claire Hodgson. Chief executive Diverse City. For services to Inclusion and Integration in the Arts and Cultural Sectors. (Swanage, Dorset) Brian Michael Hosier. For services to the Scout Association and the community in London. (Christchurch, Dorset) Enid Stella Jones. For services to the community in Dorchester, Dorset. (Dorchester, Dorset) BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL BEM Mrs Gillian Penwell. For services to Elderly and Bereaved People in Weymouth, Dorset. (Weymouth, Dorset) Mrs Brenda Margaret Slade. For services to Westminster Abbey and the Creation and Preservation of Ceremonial Garments. (Verwood, Dorset)