veteran York clockmaker Geoffrey Newey has been rewarded for years of diligent timekeeping - receiving an MBE in the New Year's Honours list.

Mr Newey, 74, who is responsible for many of the city's most familiar timepieces, was typical of hundreds of everyday people across the country who dominated this year's awards.

The courage of those whose lives have been hit by tragedy was also recognised with Neville and Doreen Lawrence, whose son, Stephen, was killed by a racist gang in London nine years ago, receiving the OBE.

The Rev Tim Alban Jones, vicar of St Andrew's Church, Soham, was given an MBE for services to the community following his work in the aftermath of the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. Celebrities honoured including comedian Jasper Carrott, Olympic javelin thrower Steve Backley and Gosford Park star Alan Bates, who all received OBEs in the annual list.

Among the more diverse figures recognised were a North Yorkshire milkman, a violin maker, a lollipop lady and even a crossword setter.

Updated: 11:11 Tuesday, December 31, 2002