Eight people from Co Derry have been recognised in the New Year Honours List.
Dr Jennifer Elliott, from Derry, has been awarded an MBE for services to the Arts in Northern Ireland, while Professor Anne Heaslett, Lately Principal, Stranmillis University College, Queen's University Belfast, has been awarded an OBE for her services to education.
Roberta Joan Cooke, manager at Caw Community Playgroup in the Waterside area of the city, has also been awarded with a BEM.
Read more: Tributes paid to NI civil rights veteran Dermie McClenaghan
Those awarded from the county are as follows:
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Dr Jennifer Elliott. For services to the Arts in Northern Ireland.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Professor Anne Heaslett. Lately Principal, Stranmillis University College, Queen's University Belfast. For services to Education.
- Peter Desmond Jack. For services to Endurance Sport and Charity in Northern Ireland.
- Gavin Joseph Killeen DL. Managing Director, Nuprint Technologies Ltd. For services to Further Education in Northern Ireland.
- William Oliver DL. For services to Education, to Business and to Charities in County Londonderry.
- Heather Pratt. Chair, Board of Governors, Rossmar Special School, Limavady, County Londonderry. For services to Education.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Roberta Joan Cooke. Manager, Caw Community Playgroup, Londonderry. For services to Early Years Learning.
- Patrick Joseph McTeague. Food Technology Technician, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland Executive. For Public and Voluntary Service.
Meanwhile, elsewhere former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings has been made a CBE in the New Year Honours List.
The former president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union Victor Chestnutt, 62, from Bushmills, Co Antrim, has been recognised in the New Year Honours for services to agriculture.
The Co Antrim farmer said his OBE honour is a recognition for all those who work in the agricultural sector across the country.
“To be honest I’m a bit shocked. I didn’t know a thing about it, it has been a complete surprise and an honour," he told PA news agency.
“I’m an ordinary farmer. I was deputy of the UFU for four years and then had two terms as president.
“During that time, I was one who would have said what I thought needed changed.
“I spoke my mind, I give praise and criticism when I thought it was necessary.
“I suppose I thought that because I was known to be so outspoken I would never."
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