Warwickshire people in New Year Honours list

The 56-year-old, who has been involved in one form of community service or another for the past 35 years, did not take all the credit herself.

She says: “I see this award as recognition of the importance of the early years in family life and an award for the work of my whole team.”

Olwyn opened the area’s first SureStart centre in Lillington seven years ago. It was so successful that now she manages six centres in Leamington and West Warwick, employs 60 staff and has an annual budget of £1.1 million.

Others to be recognised include Dr Andrew Entwistle, a member of the universities and users teaching and research action partnership, who has been made an MBE for services to higher education.

Professor John Benington, emeritus professor of public policy and management at Warwick Business School, was nominated to the OBE for public service.

And Warwickshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Andy Parker will receive the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service at a ceremony in 2011.

Read more in next Week’s Courier and Kenilworth Weekly News.