Local heroes honoured by the Queen in New Year Honours List

A mother from Penryn in Cornwall who lost her baby son to Sepsis has been awarded an MBE for her tireless campaigning.

William Mead was just 12 months old when he died. His mum Melissa's campaigning has led to greater national awareness of the serious infection.

Since William's death Melissa and her husband Paul have campaigned to raise awareness of the condition. Credit: Melissa Mead

Two Bristol divers, who were part of the rescue mission to save a football team trapped inside a flooded cave in Thailand, have also been honoured.

John Volanthen was one of the first to reach the 12 stranded children and their coach.

He's been awarded the George Medal, the second highest civilian gallantry medal for bravery.

The schoolboys trapped in the Tham Luang cave in Thailand earlier this year. Credit: Thai Navy Seals / PA images

Christopher Jewell, who lives in Cheddar, also received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his part in the rescue.

He's praised the support the team received from around the world.

Chris Jewell (third from right) and John Volanthen (far right) at the Pride Of Britain Awards. Credit: PA images

Many others from across the West Country have also been recognised for their work.

Bafta-winning actress Thandie Newton, who grew up in Penzance in Cornwall, gets an OBE for services to film and charity.

South West Devon MP Gary Streeter said he was "shocked" to be awarded a knighthood for his services to politics.

Former Bristol City striker Leroy Rosenior has also been given an MBE for his work tackling discrimination in football.

Rosenior is vice-president of Show Racism The Red Card. Credit: ITV News West Country

Professor Willie Hamilton from Exeter University, has been awarded a CBE, after his research into cancer diagnosis has helped save thousands of lives.

He said his profound deafness created the space in a busy career as a GP to focus on his research.

Professor Hamilton said he was Credit: ITV News West Country
Detective Jon Hook and Credit: Avon and Somerset Police

PC Adrian Secker and detective Jon Hook from Avon and Somerset Police have also received awards.

Adrian – affectionately known as “Adge” by work colleagues and the local community in Bath – has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Last year, he arranged for a young boy with a life limiting heart condition, to be a police officer for the day.

DC John Hook has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for his work helping and supporting the families of murder victims.

James Threlfall set up and organises the Wiltshire Skate Series. Credit: James Threlfall / The Directive

25-year-old James Threlfall was awarded an MBE for services to young people in Wiltshire.

He set up and organises the Wiltshire Skate Series, a local skateboarding competition for the community's benefit.

Whilst, Mandy and Mike Terrell from Plymouth have been fostering for around 15 years.

They specialise in Parent Child placements, where families live with them so that Mike and Mandy can help a parent care for their child or children.

Mandy and Mike Terrell thought their MBE letters were a prank. Credit: ITV News West Country