THE FORMER chief officer of a Norton charity has been awarded an MBE for his services to the Ryedale community.

Ken Gill,who retired from his role at Ryedale Community Transport (RCT), last year, was recognised in the New Year Honours.

RCT provide affordable, rural transport solutions for people who are disadvantaged because of physical or mental disability, geographically isolated or through deprivation and poverty.

As reported by the Gazette and Herald in June, RCT were previously awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Other New Year Honours have gone to people from York and North Yorkshire including:

*York export champion and entrepreneur Lesley Batchelor, of Acomb, already an OBE, who has now been made a CBE for services to international trade.

*Sandra Needham, Chief Executive of West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, who receives the OBE for services to business and the economy.

*Robert Clarkson, chief systems engineer for Serco at RAF Fylingdales, near Whitby, who receives the MBE for services to Royal Air Force Operational Capability.

*Bethany Jane Mead, of Whitby, received an MBE for services to Association Football.

*Mark Stephen Bridel, regional freight manager with Network Rail, who receives the BEM for services to charity and the community in York.

*Robert Geoffrey Oliver, of York, lately chief executive officer for the Construction Equipment Association, who receives the MBE for services to the construction equipment manufacturing sector. 

*Christopher Wooldridge, of York, who receives the BEM for services to the community in York

READ NEXT: Gong for man who walked 40,000 miles opening York's City Walls gates for 37 years