THE achievements of "extraordinary people" across the UK have been recognised in the New Year's Honours.

The list, published today ranges from one of the oldest recipients, a 94-year-old receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her charitable service, having spent over 60 years volunteering for Poppy Scotland, to one of the youngest, a BEM for a 17-year-old Army Cadet who founded social justice charity One Big Community (1BC) to help youth organisations to engage with decision-makers.

In total 1,197 people have received an award in areas including education, health, industry, sport and science and technology.

The list includes a knighthood for Mo Farah for services to athletics, a knighthood for Andy Murray for services to tennis and charity, a damehood for Katherine Grainger, the first female Olympian to win five medals at five games, for services to rowing and charity and a damehood for Jessica Ennis-Hill for services to athletics.

There are also knighthoods for the actor Mark Rylance, the musician Ray Davies of The Kinks and Ken Dodd, for services to entertainment and to charity while there is a CBE for both artist Chris Ofili and cartoonist Peter Brookes and an OBE for fashion designer Victoria Beckham.

In Wiltshire, the assistant clerk to the Lieutenancy of Wiltshire has been recognised for her outstanding service.

Jean Potter, who has worked for Wiltshire Council for 44 years, will become a Member of the Victoria Order (MVO).

She was appointed assistant clerk in 2010, but supported various chief executives and lieutenants before her promotion.

Mrs Potter who said she received the news a month ago, said: "It took me completely by surprise, and it has been very hard to keep it a secret.

"But it is wonderful to be honoured in this way and such a great privilege."

Mrs Potter, from Winsley, said she had known four lieutenants in her time at the council, and had worked for both the former lieutenant, John Barnard Bush, and the current holder Sarah Troughton.

She said: "I love my job, it is wonderful experience and I am very privileged."

Susan Thain, from Salisbury, a senior executive officer for the Ministry of Defence has been awarded an MBE for services to Army Education.

And Jane Middleton, of Chilmark, will receive the British Empire Medal for service to the community.

The 76-year-old has volunteered for Salisbury Hospice for more than 20 years, as well as acting as a church warden and fundraiser in Chilmark.

She was put forward for the award by her daughter, Isobel Middleton.

Mrs Middleton said: "I am absolutely amazed by it, I have to say, very surprised.

"I had a letter from the Cabinet Office in early November and I knew nothing about it.

"It is quite extraordinary, I was in total disbelief.

"You think to yourself, there are so many people doing all these great things, and you think 'why me'.

"I am very very grateful and I think in a way you should accept these awards on behalf of all the people who do good things.

Mrs Middleton said she would have not have been able to volunteer so frequently or for so long without the support of her family, especially her husband who she said had been "absolutely incredible".

The High Sheriff of Wiltshire has also been recognised. Dr David Hempleman-Adams is to become a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, for services to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

The explorer previously stated his support for the award, and how he wanted youngsters to achieve.

He said: "Through my involvement, as trustee, with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and St John Ambulance, I have had an insight into young people and would like, where possible, to encourage them all to aim for their dreams.”

In his role as High Sheriff, Dr Hempleman-Adams is the Sovereign’s representative in the county for matters of law and order and the judiciary.

It is the oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown and modern High Sheriffs still have a close relationship with judges, magistrates, the police, the coroner and the probation service.