THE director of three borough’s children’s services, a PC who works with schools in Wokingham, and a builder are amongst the heroes honoured in the Queen’s New Years honours list.

The community stalwarts have been named in the latest honours list alongside household names including Victoria Beckham and Mo Farah.

Police Constable Les Eke, Schools Officer for Wokingham, is to be awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for distinguished service.

He started working for Thames Valley Police in 1984 and was based in Reading before moving to Woodley as a neighbourhood police officer. He became schools officer for Wokingham in 1996 – a role he has held ever since.

He helped set up a special Autism Spectrum Alert Card across Berkshire to help children with communication difficulties communicate with police.

He said: “I’m absolutely chuffed to receive the Queen’s Police Medal. I know how much of an achievement this is to receive and I think there are far more worthy people.

“I would like to thank Sgt Mark Smith, my supervisor until two months ago, who has always supported me. My role includes dealing with minor crimes involving young people and helping young people to recognise mistakes they may have made to prevent future offending.

“My role is like a neighbourhood police officer however my ‘neighbourhood’ is schools. Outside of work I am a youth worker and I’m also involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award so it has been nice to have a job which also allows me to incorporate my hobby of working with young people.”

Andrew George Christie will be made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).

He worked as Director of Children's Services for the Tri-borough London area of Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster local authorities.

The Crowthorne man retired earlier this year after two of the authorities were the first to be rated ‘Outstanding’ by the government watchdog.

Christopher Blythe Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Building, based in Bracknell was made an OBE for his services to the construction industry and government.

The Ascot man serves as director of 11 companies.

In total 1,047 people have been given honours, including 322 British Empire Medals, 503 MBE’s and 222 OBEs.

Nearly three quarters of recipients work in their community in a paid or voluntary capacity.

Other award winners include Victoria Beckham, who was awarded an OBE for services to fashion as well as knighthoods for Olympians Mo Farah and Andy Murray.