The Queen has recognised  a range of people from Sutton in her New Year’s Honours list, including two Olympic stars and an ambulance worker.

People awarded this year include two people given special awards only reinstated this year, and a  Carshalton College worker.

A life saver who has dedicated 50 years to the St John's Ambulance Service, David Burchell, 65, was one of the first to receive the British Empire Medal after it was reinstated this year to coincide with the Queen's Jubilee.

He as given the hnonour for his work with the service in Sutton.

Mr Burchell joined the service as a volunteer 49 years ago because his mother said he needed something to do, but now, he said he can not imagine life without it.

He said: "I never thought I would last this long, but as long as I'm fit and healthy, which relatively speaking I am, I will continue to be a part of the service".

Retired Mr Burchell was part of a small team who saved an elderly man's life at Hampton Court Flower Show four years ago.

He said: "I think, of all my memories, that one was the most rewarding. We managed to get his heart beating again after he had a heart attack and stabilise him until the he got to hospital. It was not just me, but that sticks with me."

99-year-old Hilda Muriel Holyman, known as Muriel, has been awarded the British Empire Medal after showing great empathy when helping children and adults with severe disabilities to ride.

Miss Holyman was recognised for her work as a volunteer at Carshalton’s Diamond Riding Centre since it opened in 1974 and for her work with the Banstead Musical Society.

Miss Holyman, who was born in Wallington but has lived in Banstead since 1933, said was "stunned" to find out she was receiving a BEM.

She said: "I’m so astonished I can’t take it in."

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: "Her continued devotion to the Diamond Centre and to the musical society has made an impact on the local area.

"Over the years her invaluable experience has been a great asset to the centre as she have been able to work with the instructors to ensure that the riders gain maximum benefit from their experience."

Barbara Evans who works with young people with special educational needs at Carshalton College has been made an MBE for her services to further eduction. Mum-of-two Mrs Evans has worked in Sutton for 43 years, the last 18 of those at the nightingale Road College.

She said: "It was a total shock when I found out. I just couldn't believe I could get something like this for just doing what I love."

Sue Riddlestone, chief executive of Hackbridge company BioRegional, has been given an OBE in the new years honours list.

After founding the enterprise with her husband in 1994, Mrs Riddlestone has helped put BioRegional on the world map.

Based at the BedZED eco-village, BioRegional consults on sustainability, education and help inform policies around the globe.

Paralympic hero David Weir has been made a CBE for services to athletics after winning four golds in wheelchair races at the London games and his sixth London marathon.

Cheam cyclist Joanna Rowsell has been made an MBE for services to cycling after taking gold in the team pursuit at the Olympics.