This year's New Year Honours list recognises the amazing achievements of six Ayrshire men and women.

At the start of each year, the work and contributions of people across the country are awarded by or in the name of the Queen.

The Queen’s Honours include a knighthood or damehood (KBE or DBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Honours as part of orders of chivalry have been given by monarchs since the middle ages.

Any member of the public or an official body can nominate someone for an honour.

Here are the people from Ayrshire who will receive an Honour in 2021:

Richard Cumming Paterson, Master Blender from Troon, Whyte and Mackay Ltd., for services to the Scotch Whisky Industry, is awarded an OBE, becoming an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Jean Shirley Smart, from Largs, Director of Collin Care Group and Head, Mayfield Nursery, Glasgow, for services to Pre-School Education and to Charity is awarded an MBE, becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Maxine Ann Allan, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of Whiteleys Retreat, from Ayr, for services to Young People with Cancer and NHS Front Line Workers in Ayr during the Covid-19 Response is awarded a BEM, becoming a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire.

Margaret Scott Cook, from Irvine, for services to Ayrshire Hospice is awarded a BEM, becoming a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire.

Bruce Harris, from Ayr, for voluntary service to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in Cumnock is awarded a BEM, becoming a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire.

Elizabeth Fraser Wilson, Lately Division and County Commissioner, Girlguiding, from Kilwinning, for services to Young People in North Ayrshire is awarded a BEM, becoming a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire.

See this next week's paper for more on those honoured.