A NUMBER of Winchester residents will be honoured by the Queen after this year’s New Year’s Honours list was revealed.

Among the names was former Hampshire county councillor Michael Woodhall, who has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for for services to the community in Hampshire.

Mr Woodhall said: “I’m absolutely delighted, it’s a great honour to be recognised for the work I have been doing for the past 50 years or so.”

The former county council chairman received the award for his work for various groups and charities, some of include building preservation and heritage, as well as helping to set up the Hampshire Farmers’ Market.

Mr Woodhall, from Stockbridge, said that the work dates as far back as the 1970s, when he began setting up new homes for rent to fill the void he thought would be left by councils, “and my forecast has come true”, he added.

There were also awards for Winchester University’s vice chancellor Professor Joy Carter, who receive a CBE for services to higher education.

Jonathan Spencer, from Winchester, head of planning and environment at Forest Enterprise England, receives an MBE for services to woodlands, nature conservation and the environment;

ABP Southampton harbour master Captain Martin Phipps, from Swanmore, near Bishop’s Waltham, was also handed an MBE for services to UK exports.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this honour. It is a great privilege to serve as harbour master for the Port of Southampton, the nation’s gateway to the world.

“I am deeply grateful for the support of the great team at the port who work so hard to keep trade and people moving safely 24/7, 365 days a year.

“This honour is also testimony to their tremendous skill and dedication.”

Meanwhile Allan Reid, gets an MBE for services to the community in Winchester.