THE great and the good of Dorset have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

Susan Hough, chief executive of the Dorset County Football Association, is awarded with an MBE for services to women’s and disability football.

Mrs Hough said: “It’s absolutely wonderful news, and I feel very overwhelmed.”

Debbie Simpson, who became Dorset Police’s Chief Constable in January 2013, is awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.

She said: “I am immensely humbled. It remains a very great privilege to have the opportunity to work with the terrific people in the force.”

Dorset’s Lord Lieutenant – the Queen’s representative in the county – becomes a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).

Valerie Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers is retiring on her 75th birthday which is on January 23.

The CVO is given by the Queen to people who have personally served her or the monarchy. Mrs Pitt-Rivers said: “It is a great honour and I am delighted.”

Malcolm Wright, a watch officer in the Portland Costguard ops room, has also been awarded an MBE for services to HM Coastguard, after serving for more than 40 years.

Mr Wright said: “It’s such an honour but it really isn’t something I could have received without the help of the team.”