GREAT achievers from varying walks of life were recognised this week in the New Year Honours List which also singled out a number of residents around South Lakeland, Furness and North Lancashire.

William Hewertson, of Stainton, was appointed MBE for his services to the community in Kendal, and admitted the news had been "a bit of a shock".

Mr Hewertson, who is known as Bryan among friends, believed the honour was recognition for his work in the field of residential care.

The father-of-two, who lives with his wife Eva, is a member of an advisory panel for residential care services for South Lakeland, of which he was chairman for six years.

He also helped set up Garthwaite Residential Care Home, on Kendal Green, 18 years ago for children with learning difficulties.

Garthwaite, which became a Cheshire Home, later closed when there were no longer enough children in need of its services.

The retired chief administration officer for South Lakeland District Council explained his experience and interest in residential care stemmed from his son Philip, who is autistic and lives in a care home.

Through his work, Mr Hewertson has worked alongside fellow Garthwaite trustee the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria James Cropper, and the late Leonard Cheshire, who established what is now the UK's leading disability care charity.

Kenneth Howse, of Kendal, was appointed MBE for services to the British Theatre for the Disabled, which he and his wife Maud founded in Kendal in 1983.

Now a nation-wide voluntary organisation, the BTFD boasts regional branches throughout the country and has taken more than 2,000 performances, free-of-charge, to homes for disabled people.

Mr Howse, who has a keen interest in amateur dramatics, said the honour was recognition of all those involved in the BTFD.

"I am very grateful the effort of these people has been recognised nationally," he said, adding: "This would all have been quite impossible without my wife, who has given hours of her time to support the BTFD."

Mr Howse also singled out Dame Judi Dench, explaining: "She agreed to be Hon President when the BTFD was merely an idea and has been unwavering in her support during the last 18 years."

Biologist Dr Anne Powell, of Cark, was appointed OBE for services to conservation in fresh water fisheries.

Admitting she was "flattered" by the honour, Dr Powell said she felt "quite mystified" as she felt there were many other deserving people.

Dr Powell has had a string of posts on national fisheries and environmental bodies, and is actively involved in wildlife and landscape conservation projects.

In 1986 she founded the Oxford-based Ponds Association Trust to promote research projects into the ecology and conservation of small waters, and the group now has 23 organisations working together.

Dr Powell was a board member of the Environment Agency for six years, and also took part in a two-year legislative review of fresh water fisheries.

She is on the Conservation Panel of the National Trust and is a trustee of the Freshwater Biological Association at Far Sawrey, which promotes greater understanding of animal and plant life in lakes and rivers.

Dr Powell explained she had been involved in the field of ecology for 35 years and was keen to see real scientific backing for conservation work.

Sprint cyclist Jason Queally, a former Caton resident, was appointed MBE for his part in Britain's success at the Sydney Olympics.

His rapid rise to fame came after an unexpected win in the 1000-metre time trial at the 2000 games, when he also picked up silver as part of a three-man team in the 750-metre sprint.