A WORLD champion blind sailor is amongst those from south Essex to have been recognised in the New Years Honours list.

Lucy Hodges, 37, from Rochford, has been made an MBE following a year which saw her win gold at the IFDS Blind Sailing World Championships in Japan and sail the length of Lake Windermere, twice, unaided.

Following the announcement of her appointment, she said: “When I got the letter I cried. It’s still sinking in now. It’s been hard keeping it a secret, but it’s very special.”

Others to be given prestigious honours is the deputy mayor of Basildon, Danny Lawrence, who was given the British Empire Medal for his services to radio, and Carol Compton, head of youth offending services at Southend Council appointed an MBE for services to children and families.

Mr Lawrence has been in the industry for 30 years, with a career spanning time at Radio Basildon, BBC Radio London and LBC 261 before pushing Gateway 97.8 forward as the business development director.

Ms Compton said her passion for families is what drives her in the role which has seen many extra responsibilities brought upon the youth service, including teenage pregnancies and community engagement.

She said: “My passion is children and families. For me, I’ve got five kids and three grandchildren, and I want no different for them as I do other children. Everyone deserves a chance.”

For the full New Years Honours list, see tomorrow’s Echo.