THE extraordinary achievements of people from across Worcestershire have been recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Droitwich-born Olympic swimmer Matt Richards has been awarded an MBE for services to swimming.

The 19-year-old tweeted to say: "After a pretty great year, I’m so honoured to announce that Her Majesty has awarded me an MBE in this years New Years Honours list."

Zulkifl Ahmed received an MBE for services to Education and to Young People.

The 32-year-old from Walsall, now works as a Special Educational Needs and Disability Group Manager for Worcestershire County Council.

Among his many achievements, Mr Ahmed expertly led Sandwell’s Statutory Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Services through the period of a Written Statement of Action (WSoA) to an exceptional 100 per cent resolution of serious weaknesses in just two years.

He now works for Worcestershire County Council and is playing a significant part in their improvement programme as they make good progress in addressing their WSoA targets.

Following his appointment, there was a 61.7 per cent reduction in complaints from parents and a 41 per cent improvement in producing EHC Plans in 20 weeks.

In March 2020, data showed the delivery of 100 per cent of plans within the 20-week deadline.

Patricia Ann Court, from Worcester, has received a Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to the community in Staffordshire.

Each year The Queen recognises the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life and all ages, within our communities.

In addition to these people who really make a difference to the lives of those around them, this year’s list includes special mention of those who have continued to go above and beyond in supporting each other during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE said; “Making up the fabric of the West Midlands are some amazing people who work hard to deliver a better, brighter and kinder place. These people with big hearts are often known within their neighbourhoods but fail to gain the wider credit they deserve particularly during the challenging Covid crisis.

“This year’s recipients showcase a range of outstanding achievements and provide an insight into the region and the people that make it so great. We are all very grateful for what they do each and every day and I am absolutely delighted to see so many gain the recognition they deserve in the New Year Honours.

“Through the activities of the West Midlands Lieutenancy, I come across many people providing support and giving their time to help others. Now more than ever, there are so many unsung heroes who deserve to be honoured but they need someone to nominate them. I would encourage people from across the region to get involved and think about who is making a difference in your local area so that we can continue to recognise these individuals for the great work they are doing.”

The individual honours are announced twice a year to mark The Queen’s official birthday in June and at the end of December - the New Year Honours.

Some 1,200 people are recognised in each list.

Details on how to nominate are found on the West Midlands Lieutenancy website at www.wmlieutenancy.org.