THIS year’s New Year Honours List includes a girl guide leader from Nailsworth and a member of Sheepscombe WI.

The list, which recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the country, contains details of awards which will be presented to extraordinary people by, or in the name of the Queen.

Sheepscombe resident Celia Hargrave will be awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to charity and the community.

Since retiring from teaching in inner-city Birmingham schools Celia has invested her time in fundraising for the local community.

Mrs Hargraves has helped raise more than £100,000 to renovate Sheepscombe village hall, and as well as being a serving magistrate, she is also a volunteer Stroud’s for Victim Support Group.

An active member of Sheepscombe WI, Celia expressed her surprise at being nominated for the award.

“I’m absolutely delighted, I can’t believe it,” she said.

“I believe that anyone can contribute in some way to their community, I get enormous pleasure from what I do.”

News of Nailsworth Girl Guide leader Louise Dembny, BEM award for public and charitable services prompted an outpouring of good wishes from the town’s residents.

Her daughter Alicia expressed the family’s joy at her mum’s award.

“We’re all blown away, and couldn’t be prouder of my lovely mum,” she said.

Much-loved novelist Jilly Cooper, who lives in Bisley, is already an OBE, but will become a CBE for her services to literature and charity.

Across the county Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown will be knighted for political and public service, and Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter DBE will receive a Royal Victorian Order.

Elizabeth Thomas, will be awarded an MBE for her commitment to supporting people bereaved by suicide in Gloucestershire and Gayle Clay, who works for the NHS and lives in Witcombe, will also be recognised with a BEM for her work with the homeless.