Paul Deneen, who started work as a teacher in the 1970s, and who still works part-time at the John Kyrle High School in Ross, has been rewarded for his work for the community with an OBE in the New Year's Honours.

Mr Deneen is a non Executive Director of NHS Herefordshire and one of the Deputy Lieutenants of Herefordshire. He was awarded an OBE for services to the community in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. He immediately dedicated the award to his late parents in gratitude for their support at the start of his teaching career.

He said: "I dedicate this award to my late parents who sacrificed a considerable amount to allow me to obtain my degree and enter the teaching profession in the late 1970s.

"During my 30 years in Herefordshire, it has been a huge privilege and honour to work alongside colleagues in schools, courts, local government, health, the University of Worcester, and policing who have been dedicated to serving the public and making a "real difference" to the quality of people's lives. I take this opportunity to say