THE young people of Broadway's champion, Betty Phillips, has been recognised in this year's Queen's New Year Honours list.

Mrs Phillips, who runs the Leamington Road youth centre, has been awarded the MBE for her services to young people.

She has worked tirelessly for the village youth for more than 25 years, raising funds, maintaining the club house, and planning new activities for the future.

Mother of three and grandmother to seven, Mrs Phillips said: "I was overwhelmed when I heard the news six weeks ago, and was very proud to accept it." Mrs Phillips, who dispenses medicine at Barn Close Surgery, received Broadway's first community award in November 2001 for her voluntary work with young people. Now she is looking forward to getting a skate boarding facility for youngsters at the village recreation ground up and running by the Summer holidays.

Gordon Lawson, a driver with Horticulture Research International in Wellesbourne, receives an MBE in the New Year Honours.

Warwickshire Deputy Chief Fire Officer Graham Holden, who joined the fire service in 1968, is awarded a Queen's Fire Service Medal.

Mr Holden, who lives in the north of the county but has family in Stratford, said: "I'm in the twilight of my career and it's nice to get recognition in this way."

Philanthropist Peter Moores, who is planning to re-open Compton Verney, a stately home near Stratford, as a public art gallery in 2004, receives a knighthood for his charitable services to the arts.

An environment Agency supervisor, who lives near Chipping Norton, has been awarded an MBE.

Mr Bob Dale, who celebrates his 60th birthday on Saturday, has been looking after rivers in the area for 42 years.

"I was shocked when I first got the letter," he said. Mr Dale, from Middle Barton, is following a family tradition in his work, as his father also worked in river maintenance.