A HOST of Hampshire residents are celebrating the New Year in style after receiving honours from the Queen.

Rex Chester has been made an MBE for his services to young people through the Winchesterbased Explore charity.

The charity, set up in 1996, trains and supports couples prepared to discuss their marriage to go into schools and colleges and talk to students about real life experiences.

Mr Chester, 74, a farmer from Warnford in the Meon Valley and former city councillor, said: “It came completely out of the blue.

“I’ve no idea who put me up for it, but I’m deeply honoured.”

Another recipient is David Harrison, who was awarded an OBE for his services to golf.

Mr Harrison, 73, of Soames Farm, Ropley, has been president of the Hampshire Professional Golfers Association since 1982.

He said: “I’m very flattered and extremely surprised.

“I wondered why it should have been given to me. I’ve played county golf for many years and help with the running of golf in Hampshire.

“But it has just been a leisure activity and hobby for me.”

University of Winchester drama lecturer Annie McKean receives an OBE in recognition of her services to higher education.

She has produced three documentaries about her work on collaborative productions involving undergraduate students, and male and female prisoners serving jail sentences at Winchester prison.

Judge Keith Cutler, a circuit judge who sits at Winchester Crown Court, was made a CBE.

He was appointed Recorder of Winchester, one of the city’s most prestigious honorary titles, last month.

He is the resident judge at Winchester and the most senior sitting permanently in the city.

He said: “I am very pleased by this honour. It reflects the work I have done over the past five years, in particular for the Council of Circuit Judges and for the Judges’ Council.

“This work has been carried out over and above my court work, and has involved working with the Ministry of Justice, ministers and senior judges.

“It includes involvement in draft legislation and numerous consultations, as well as developing links with other judges’ councils across Europe.

“I have also been instrumental in chairing a new body in the Judges’ Council to monitor media and communications, and been responsible for setting up a panel of media trained judges to assist the Judicial Communications Office.

“Much of this work will continue and probably increase, but I promise to put Winchester and my judicial duties there as a priority.

I look forward to serving the city as Recorder of Winchester."

Stephen Wright, from Winchester, was awarded an OBE for his services at the Valuation Office Agency of HM Revenue and Customs.

Veteran Poppy Appeal organiser Norman Brown was made an MBE for his service to Hampshire’s Royal British Legion, which he joined in 1992.

Mr Brown, 83, of Suffolk Drive, Chandler’s Ford, has been the backbone for Hampshire’s Poppy Appeal for more than 15 years.

Supported by his wife, Betty, he became chairman of the Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford district branch, and has been praised for being the driving force that has kept it alive in recent years.

Mr Brown, who served with the Royal Engineers in France and Belgium during the Second World War, was also given the post of county co-ordinator for the Poppy Appeal six years ago.

He said: “The Royal British Legion has been looking after heroes for 88 years and I am just a cog within that.

“I just wanted to put something back for what my mates had done and for what the lads and lasses are doing out there today.”