AN influential Tynedale engineer has been recognised in the New Year's Honours list for 2017.

Dr Tony Trapp (72), of Bywell near Stocksfield, has been made an MBE for his services to the engineering and energy industries, having been instrumental in the formation and success of the subsea technology industry in the North East.

After studying at Newcastle University and a period working in academia, Dr Trapp co-founded Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD), before establishing the Engineering Business, based in Stocksfield, in 1997.

He sold the Engineering Business to Dutch shipbuilder, IHC Merwede, 11 years later.

In 2010, Dr Trapp founded Osbit Power, based at Broomhaugh House, Riding Mill, with two colleagues.

The company, which builds and delivers systems for some of the largest energy companies in the world, now has 46 employees and had a turnover of around £8m in 2015 - more than half of which was due to exports.

The achievements of Isos's outgoing chief executive Keith Loraine have been honoured with an OBE.

Corbridge resident Keith (62), who stepped down from his role on December 31, was recognised for services to housing and the North-East community during his 40 year career.

Tovey Professor of Music at the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Simon Webster Frith, of Hexham, was made an OBE for services to higher education and popular music.

Northumberland County Councillor, George Robert Arckless, cabinet member for children's services, was also made an MBE. He was recognised for his services to Northumberland.

While he is a member of Amble Town Council, he has influenced policy throughout Tynedale and the rest of the county through a number of senior posts, especially in economic development and education, as a member of the county council since 1989.

Elsewhere, Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, was made a Dame for services to women and equality.

And Alex Bennett, who retired as Northumberland's chief fire officer in July, has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service medal.