Hampshire heroes celebrated in New Year Honours List 2024

The annual roll-call recognises people across the UK who make outstanding contributions to society, either through their job or their role as a volunteer.

The 2024 list features more than 30 people from Hampshire who have been recognised for their work.

READ MORE: The full list of Hampshire people in New Year Honours List 2024They include former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, of Bishop's Waltham, and Southampton-born Simon Rogan, whose Cumbrian restaurant L'Enclume has three Michelin stars.

Also made an MBE is Alice Hendy from Stubbington, who founded a suicide prevention charity and created an online safety tool after her brother took his own life.

A University of Southampton student whose success in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine can partially be attributed to pizza is awarded a British Empire Medal, and a man who helped make the New Forest a national park is made an MBE.

Debbie Tann, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, is also made an MBE.

Debbie said: "I am beyond grateful for this wonderful award which reflects just what a brilliant team of staff, trustees, volunteers, members and supporters I have at the Trust.

"My lifelong passion for nature drives my determination to do all I can to protect wildlife and restore it to health.

"Sadly, the UK has become one of the most nature depleted countries in the world and our biodiversity is in serious trouble, but through the incredible work of my dedicated and passionate team we are helping wildlife to bounce back across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."

Also honoured is former Hampshire police Superintendent Annabel Berry, known as Bel, who retired in August after a 27-year career.

Bel, who receives the King's Police Medal, said: "I didn’t expect it in my wildest dreams."I always wanted to join the police - it’s easy to do something that you love, and I love seeing people flourish and succeed."

Jean Elna Roberts-Jones, from Eastleigh, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her services to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Then CEO of Eastleigh based charity One Community, the 68-year-old harnessed her experience to create a team of over 200 volunteers.

They were on hand to provide those in need with shopping trips, deliveries, collection of prescriptions, phone support, and even a dog walking service.

Jean told the Echo of her ‘complete surprise’ at getting the medal.

She said: “I’d like to accept the award on behalf of the people who I worked with, it was a small army really.

“The pandemic was a difficult time and I’m grateful our work has been recognised.”

She added: “Volunteering not only impacts others, but it makes a difference to you too.

“I’ve been a volunteer practically all my life – starting with the Duke of Edinburgh Award – volunteering gives you confidence and you meet so many fantastic people.”

Also honoured are Fleet couple Neil and Angela Dickson, founders of The Brain Tumour Charity.

Their daughter Samantha was studying at St Nicholas' School in Fleet when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and died aged 16 in 1996.