THE leader of Northumberland Labour Group is among those to be recognised in the 2023 New Years Honours List.

The awards recognise the public service of individuals across the UK. It is King Charles' first New Years Honours List. 

Scott Dickinson has been made an MBE for services to the community in Northumberland.

"I am truly overwhelmed to receive this honour for my service to Northumberland residents, whether it's my charity work at Hadston House, Briardale House, AIM NE, Northumbria Healthcare or Northumberland County Council, I give 100 per cent to the organisations and people I work for and that's the public", said Coun. Scott Dickinson for Druridge Bay.

"It's important to never forget who you represent in work or elected life. I love Northumberland and I love the people in it, my genuine desire is to make people's lives better and ensure nobody feels alone in times of crisis - that comes shining through with the work I do in the third sector, the NHS and council.

"I must give a huge thank you to all my team past and present, along with volunteers, my family and of course, my partner, who support and put up with what is often described as my workaholic nature and deal with our life in the public eye, which can be hard.

"I just strongly believe in giving your all to help others and working hard to support those who need it. I never expect thanks or appreciation, it's not what you get into these types of roles for, although I know people appreciate the effort I put in and I often get a lovely card or letter that makes me smile.

"I hope accepting this can help further my charity work and provide other benefits for the people of Northumberland that I care so deeply about."

Hexham artist Dr Ingrid Pollard, who has worked with Tarset's Visual Arts in Rural Communities (VARC), has also been made an MBE for services to art.

Elsewhere in Northumberland, Dr Philip Frank Souter, of Morpeth, has been given an OBE for services to medical research. He is the senior director of research and development at personal care and hygiene manufacturing company Procter and Gamble.

Susan Ghulam, who works for Northumberland County Council and is the registered manager of Barndale Short Break, was awarded an MBE for services to SEND children and the Three Rivers Learning Trust's chief executive officer, Simon Taylor, was recognised with an OBE for services to education.

Members of RAF Spadeadam were also recognised, including Mr Talvis (George) Burlson, a recipient of the deputy commander operations commendation, Flt Lt James Fairman, FS Jim Blenkinsop, Cppl Mike Aitken, and AS1 Josh Clegg, who have all been awarded the air officer commanding No 1 group commendation.