THE brave, dedicated and inspirational have been honoured for their work.

More than 1,000 people have be recognised in the New Year's Honours list - including war veterans, teachers, soldiers and musicians from north Essex.

They include one of Britain’s longest-serving nurses Pam Hurcomb has been awarded a British Empire Medal.

Mrs Hurcomb, 72, of Colchester, worked as a nurse for 51 years with a career including three spells in African countries and time in both private and NHS hospitals covering specialities such as paediatrics, intensive care, medicine, surgery and midwifery.

Mrs Hurcomb first worked in Colchester in 1974 as an agency nurse at Essex County Hospital.

She returned in 1982, after her last spell in Africa, again as an agency nurse. During her time in the town she also worked for 13 years at the Oaks private hospital.

She rejoined the NHS in 2002 and spent much of her time at Colchester General Hospital.

Another recipient is Dr Barbara Knowles, senior science policy adviser at the Society of Biology, who has become a MBE.

Dr Knowles, who lives in Colchester, has been given the honour for services to science communication and the environment.

Five years ago, Dr Knowles was diagnosed with the incurable condition motor neurone disease. She is now unable to move and will soon lose the ability to speak.

She said: “I’m delighted with this honour. It is especially welcome as the award recognises both my professional work in science policy and communications and also my voluntary work to protect and learn about the outstanding but threatened environment in the eastern Carpathians of Transylvania.

“I’m really lucky to be able to do both jobs with fantastic colleagues in London and Romania despite being increasingly disabled with Motor Neurone Disease.

"A combination of computer technology, an off-road wheelchair and supportive friends and carers makes it possible to enjoy life, by doing interesting work which I believe to be important and valuable.”

Dr Laura Bellingan, director of policy at the Society of Biology, said: "As well as being a great person, Barbara's clarity of vision is outstanding.

"It is a privilege to work with her and a great pleasure to see her receive this well-deserved honour.”

Deanna Walker, senior academic officer at the University of Essex, has awarded a British Empire Medal for her services to higher education.

She had provided services to students and the university for 24 years and through her role provides a range of services to students and supports education provision in academic departments.

A spokesman for the university said: "She is a role model and mentor for junior administrative colleagues, an incredible source of knowledge for academic colleagues and an exemplar of senior professional services practice.

"She is meticulous in ensuring all students are treated fairly and appropriately within the rules of the university."

Ms Walker has also pursued an interest in the history of the Basildon Plotlands and from personal experience and extensive detailed research has become a well-known expert in the subject.

She has published two books - Basildon Plotlands: The Londoners’ Rural Retreat and A Portrait of Basildon Plotlands: The Enduring Spirit.

Other Colchester residents who have been honoured in the list published today include Janine Bush, the principal private secretary to the Treasury Solicitor who has been made a Member of the British Empire for services to the Government Legal Service.

Roy Williams, an engineer and equipment examiner with the Ministry of Defence, has been made an MBE for services to Defence Engineering.

* PUBLIC servants have been honoured for their work.

Essex Police’s force solicitor Adam Hunt has been recognised for services to policing by becoming an MBE.

Father-of-three Mr Hunt, 46, of West Mersea, has been the force’s solicitor for 14 years managing legal work generated by Essex Police.

During his career with the force, he has mastered specialist legal areas including witness protection, source handling, police powers and child protection and has developed an in-house legal department.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “Adam fully understands and thrives in dealing with the challenges of working for an emergency service and has made a significant contribution at the regional and national level.

“He consistently gives exceptional and practical advice to officers and agencies at the most senior levels.”

Mr Hunt said: “I was and still am shocked to have been chosen to receive this honour.

“It is really nice to have such appreciation from the force and be recognised in this way for basically doing the job you’re paid to do.”

And Jill Moseley, who was integral to introducing the paramedic role to the ambulance service, has been awarded a Queen's Ambulance Service Medal.

Ms Moseley originally joined the service more than 30 years ago as an ambulance care assistant working within the patient transport service.

However, she worked in a variety of roles and became the associate director of Clinical Quality for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust before retiring in February.

She became a member of the accreditation panel for paramedic training and later becoming the first female director of operations in England.

Lt Col John Boyd, who was formerly 2nd in Command of the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester, has been given an OBE.