Volunteers at a swimming club, the army cadets, and the manager of Sutton's Meals on Wheels Service were all included on the Queen's New Year's Honours list.

Michael Horan, 75, of Orchard Way, Sutton, was awarded an MBE for voluntary service to the Army Cadet Force in Surrey, where he has helped over 1000 cadets.

Mr Horan first signed up with the cadets as a Sergeant Instructor after his son joined the cadets in 1978. He rose up the ranks to become Surrey's first Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS).

In 2001 Mr Horan, 75, retired but remained as a volunteer, still attending every annual summer trip away with the cadets, except for one due to surgery.

He said the cadets were like his second family, and the honour came as a complete surprise.

Worcester Park resident Joyce Andrews was honoured with an MBE in recognition of 39 years volunteering at the Wimbledon and Merton Swimming Club.

The Worcester Park resident got involved with the club when her daughter's doctor recommended the sport to help her asthma, and was soon asked to help out with coaching.

Her son and daughter both won swimming awards, and now her four grandchildren take lessons at the club.

Mrs Andrews, 74, said: “It's a lovely club. It's voluntary – I think it's one of the few where all the teachers are volunteers.

“I accept this award on behalf of all the people who have helped along the way.”

Sutton Meals on Wheels manager Pamela Norton was awarded an MBE for her services to the community.

Pam has worked for the service since 1988, coordinating the delivery of some 80,000 meals a year to vulnerable, elderly residents.

She also manages the allocation of Freedom Passes, Taxicards and concessionary fares for older and disabled people, and is responsible for organising rest centres in case of civil emergencies.

She has been a school governor for 20 years and a volunteer for the 1st Wallington Scout group for around 30 years.

Councillor Colin Stears, Sutton Council's spokesperson on adult social services said: “We are very pleased for and proud of Pam, she has delivered many years of service to the vulnerable residents of the borough but on top of that she extends this in her own time to help a range of voluntary organisations and two local primary schools.”