Ten of Suffolk's finest workers and volunteers have been recognised with an honour in the King's first Birthday Honours list.

A scout leader, NHS workers, an education leader and police service volunteer are featured on the list. 

Knights Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)

Sir Terry Waite CBE who lives near Bury St Edmunds has been recognised with his honour, for his services to charity.

Lowestoft Journal: Sir Terry Waite CBE. Credit: NewsquestSir Terry Waite CBE. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The former hostage who was captured and held captive for almost five years in Lebanon said: "It really is a big surprise.

"It's a very significant honour and I'm really amazed that I've got it."

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Professor Tim Whitley has been recognised with his award for his service to Communications Technologies and to Scientific Policy.

The managing director for research and network strategy at BT has been with the company for 40 years, and in that time has worked with many academic institutions on numerous projects while also committing to the work he has achieved with BT.

Lowestoft Journal: Tim Whitley, has been recognised for services to communications technologies and scientific policy. Credit: BTTim Whitley, has been recognised for services to communications technologies and scientific policy. Credit: BT (Image: BT)

He said: "I am delighted and humbled to accept this honour as a reflection of the way in which UK scientific research has helped shape the telecommunications technology.

"I would like to thank all of my colleagues at BT Group and many academic researchers we work with for their tireless efforts."

Dr Ed Garratt, chief executive of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board has also been honoured for his services to the Integrated Care System.

He notably led the system's Covid 19 vaccination campaign, which was recognised as one of the best-performing areas in the country for its work to ensure people were vaccinated.

He said: "I'm so thrilled and humbled.

Lowestoft Journal: Dr Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board. Credit: NHS SuffolkDr Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board. Credit: NHS Suffolk (Image: NHS Suffolk)

"It's a reflection of the hard work our staff, partners and volunteers put in, who were so incredible during the pandemic and since.

"It is a privilege to work in Suffolk and north east Essex and I'm very motivated to continue to drive forward the progress which we have made in our recovery from the pandemic."

Philip Bigley was also honoured with an OBE for services to those affected by kidnap and hostage situations around the world.

In 2004, his brother Ken was taken hostage while working in Iraq and was killed, with Phil turning this tragedy into something positive by helping others in similar situations.

He said: "I am shocked and honoured to have been nominated for this award, which I graciously accept in memory of my brother, Ken, and on behalf of our family.

"I wish to thank the many inspirational people at Hostage International that dedicate themselves to helping those affected by kidnap."

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Professor Helen Langton, vice-chancellor at the University of Suffolk has been recognised for her services to education.

Since joining the university in 2018, she has been a driving force behind a transformational programme creating vital partnerships that increase education, economic and well-being opportunities.

Lowestoft Journal: Professor Helen Langton, vice-chancellor at University of Suffolk. Credit: University of SuffolkProfessor Helen Langton, vice-chancellor at University of Suffolk. Credit: University of Suffolk (Image: University of Suffolk)

She said: "I am overwhelmed and humbled to have been awarded an MBE and I would like to pay tribute to colleagues in the University and across the county.

"I am fortunate to work alongside incredibly dedicated people who are striving to make the university a success regionally, nationally and internationally."

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Joan Norman, scout leader at 1st Eye Scout Group has been given a BEM for services to young people and the community in Suffolk.

She has been with the scouts for 47 years, and has said she has met some "awesome young people" and has had opportunities she never would have done otherwise.

She said: "I am very honoured to be given this lovely award.

"I was at home when I heard and I initially thought it was a speeding fine or jury summons but when I opened it, I was so delighted and jumping for joy."

Sandy Ruddock has also been recognised for her services to business and to the voluntary sector in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The co-founder and owner of Scarlett & Mustard Ltd in Framlingham started the business in 2012, with products now widely stocked in retailers around the UK.

Lowestoft Journal: Sandy Ruddock, owner of Scarlett & Mustard Ltd. Credit: Sandy RuddockSandy Ruddock, owner of Scarlett & Mustard Ltd. Credit: Sandy Ruddock (Image: Sandy Ruddock)

She said: "To be honoured with this award is fantastic and was such a lovely surprise.

"I am very happy to accept it on behalf of all the small and micro businesses which make up the beating heart of the East Anglian economy."

Karen Harris has worked at the police for the last 20 years, and has been recognised with a BEM for services to policing.

The founder of the Suffolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre from Felixstowe said: "I was absolutely speechless, completely overwhelmed and I just feel incredibly honoured."

Lowestoft Journal: Karen Harris has worked in the police for 20 years. Credit: Charlotte BondKaren Harris has worked in the police for 20 years. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Richard Clarke, crew manager at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has been recognised for services to the Fire Fighters Charity and to the community in Suffolk.

He left Newmarket Fire Station in 2019 for his current role, after spending 25 years and personally attending over 5,000 calls in Newmarket.

Gareth Elliott from Bury St Edmunds has been recognised for his services to Lowland Rescue and to the community in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Louie Horne, deputy associate director of nursing at East Suffolk and North East Essex NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for services to nursing.

She mentors over 500 international nurses and moved to Ipswich 23 years ago from the Philippines.

Lowestoft Journal: Louie Horne. Credit: ESNEFTLouie Horne. Credit: ESNEFT (Image: ESNEFT)

She said: "I am humbled to be recognised.

"Internationally educated nurses are at the heart of service delivery in the NHS and we have been vital to the NHS since its inception.

"This honour helps to highlight the important contribution international nurses make to the NHS."