Queen's New Year Honours: Blind sailor Lucy Hodges honoured
A blind sailor who got into the sport when her father bought her a boat has been appointed MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list.
Lucy Hodges, 37, of Rochford, Essex, has won a number of gold medals in international sailing contests.
Earlier this year she sailed Lake Windermere solo to help raise money for the British Blind Sailing Team's travel costs to Japan.
She has become an MBE for services to blind sailing.
Also made an MBE is 41-year-old Ian Burrell of Southend.
He is the chairman of the Ambulance Motorcycle Club UK and was honoured for services to motorcycle safety.
Mr Burrell came up with the idea for a safety card that riders can keep in the lining of their helmets.
In the event of an accident, the card gives emergency personnel the relevant information about the rider.
Avril Spriggs, 76, has been appointed MBE for services to gymnastics.
Mrs Spriggs, of Basildon, first became involved in gymnastics in 1969 when she set up a club at a primary school.
She went on to form the South Essex Gym Club, the training home of London 2012 bronze medal winner Max Whitlock.
Janet Brewer of Brentwood is awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her 19 years of voluntary work for the London north east branch of the armed forces charity SSAFA.
During that time the 58-year-old has trained volunteers, organised committee meetings, training days, annual general meetings and newsletters.
Also awarded a BEM is Daniel Lawrence, 46, of Billericay, for services to community radio, and Harlow's Susan Ratcliffe, 46, who has raised £65,000 for guide dogs.