Seven people from across the Black Country have been recognised in this year’s New Year’s Honours list. 

The recipients include former Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Steve Waltho, who has been recognised for services to local government and the community in Dudley. Steve has received an MBE for years of commitment in the borough and his charitable work which included a record-breaking fundraiser of £55,000 which went to five charities in his mayoral year of 2015.

David Harcourt from Stourbridge also received an MBE for services to the community, whilst an OBE was awarded to Robert Herman-Smith for services to the global aerospace sector.

An MBE for services to the Girls’ Brigade was awarded to Mrs Diane Seeney from Kingswinford.

Three Halesowen residents were also recognised, Mrs Jane Clarke received an MBE for services to vulnerable women and children, an MBE was also awarded to 96 year old Derek Elton for services to scouting and the community in Stourbridge. 

A British Empire Medal was given to Judith Morris in recognition of her voluntary service to first aid and young people. Judith is the unit manager of Halesowen Young Person’s Service Unit at St John Ambulance. Councillor Dave Tyler, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“The contribution that each person has made to the borough and its communities has clearly been recognised by the people who have nominated them and their honours are well deserved. 

“Awards like these always highlight the excellent work that goes on in this borough much of which goes unrecognised.

“I would urge people to think about who they work with, volunteer with or simply know in their community, who could be put forward to the next round of Honours and also the Mayor’s Civic Awards which take place this April.”

For more information on the Honours and Civic Awards visit mayorofdudley.org.uk.

the recipents joined the previously mentioned Phil Loach, Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service and Diane Scott, Deputy Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service, who have also recieved honours in the list, released last week.