New Year awards for dedicated residents (From Surrey Comet)

New Year awards for dedicated residents

8:01am Thursday 3rd January 2008 in Sutton By Heather Darlington

Police officers, an opera singer and a charity worker were among the Sutton and Epsom residents recognised in this year's New Year Honours List.

Leatherhead resident Diane Elizabeth Smith was appointed an MBE for services to homeless people.

After studying urban policy studies and community race relations at university Ms Smith began her career helping homeless people a decade ago. She first helped out at a cold weather shelter during the winter of 1997 for homeless charity Look Ahead.

From there she took up the position of supported housing officer at a hostel based in Victoria and progressed to become deputy manager in 2000. She now manages a 173 bed hostel in Westminster.

The 31-year-old said: "I was flabbergasted when I found out; it was a complete surprise."

Worcester Park's John Azah was appointed an OBE for services to community relations in London. Mr Azah was a founding member of the Independent Advisory Group set up by the Met following the establishment of the Racial and Violent Crime Task Force.

The group offers advice on the emerging concerns of London's minority ethnic communities.

Mr Azah was so shocked to hear of the honour he had to check it was true before commenting.

He said: "I want to dedicate this firstly to my parents who would have been blown away to know that so many years ago my journey would take me here.

"I also want to dedicate it to my two lovely children as this work took me away from them for several years and now they might realise how important it is.

It's also for the community who do not get acknowledged and so we are fighting on their behalf."

A spokesman for the Met described him as a "trusted advisor" whose advice is sought by all levels of the organisation.

Former opera singer and Wallington resident Francis Egerton was appointed an MBE for services to music.

Paul Lincoln, from Sutton, was appointed an OBE for services to health care.

Professor Kasturi Arachchi Ariya Saman Warnakulasuriya from Wallington was appointed an OBE for services to medicine and Margaret Hayward from Worcester Park was awarded an MBE for services to the National Back Pain Association.

A Queen's Police Medal was given to Superintendent Neil Boon and temporary assistant chief constable Jerry Kirkby, both of Surrey Police.