TWO North Ayrshire women have been honoured by the Queen for services to the hospice and girlguiding.

Girlguiding division and county commissioner Elizabeth Fraser Wilson, of Kilwinning, was awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours list for services to young people in North Ayrshire.

Irvine resident Margaret Scott Cook was awarded a BEM in the New Year’s Honours list for her services to Ayrshire Hospice.

H M Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald, OBE said: “I am delighted with these well-deserved awards which recognise the massive personal contribution to society that each of the individuals has made.

“I would encourage more nominations as there are many” unsung heroes” in our communities who fully merit recognition.”

Other Ayrshire residents honoured this years are Maxine Ann Allan, chief executive officer and trustee of Whiteleys Retreat, who is receiving a BEM for services to Young People with Cancer and NHS Front Line

Workers in Ayr during the COVID-19 Response.

Troon man and Whyte and Mackay master blender, Richard Cumming Paterson received an OBE [Officer of the Order of the British Empire.] for services to the Scotch Whisky Industry.

Jean Shirley Smart, from Largs, Director of Collin Care Group and Head, Mayfield Nursery, Glasgow, for services to Pre-School Education and to Charity is awarded an MBE, becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

And Ayr man Bruce Harris will receive a BEM for voluntary service to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in Cumnock.

At the start of each year, the work and contributions of people across the country are awarded in the name of the Queen.

Honours as part of orders of chivalry have been given by monarchs since the middle ages.