EIGHT inspirational people who have made a difference to the lives of people in Wirral have been recognised by the Queen in the New Year’s Honours List.

Gareth Wynn Williams, principal at West Kirby Residential School, has been awarded an OBE for his services to special needs education.

Michael Joseph Kennedy, Birkenhead Youth and Community worker has received an MBE for services to children and families.

Professor William Robert Lee was also awarded an MBE for his services to the restoration of Birkenhead Park and the community in Birkenhead.

British Empire Medals have been awarded to 76-year-old Pensby resident Beryl Dare for her services to the community following 31 years of volunteering with Arrowe Park Hospital League of Friends.

Meols resident Fiona Kathryn Dillon, co-founder of West Wirral Lions Club, received the gong for her voluntary services to Wirral, while John Paul Loughnane, secretary and honoury reserve manager of New Ferry Butterfly Park, received it for his services to Wirral’s nature conservation.

Wallasey woman Margaret Mary Parry, executive officer of Jobcentre Plus was also honoured with a British Empire Medal for her services to Department for Work and Pensions and to the community in Merseyside through Wallasey and District Disabled Persons Swimming and Social Club.

Bebington resident Anne Crawley also received a British Empire Medal for services to charitable work in Europe and Africa through Operation Christmas Child.

Among the well-known names being honoured are international pianist Stephen Hough, was was made a CBE for his services to music.

Born in Heswall, Stephen began piano lessons at aged five, becoming a finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year Competition at just 17.

In total, 1,195 people have been recommended to The Queen for an award this year, with 1,038 candidates selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level.

Of those, 74 per cent are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity.