The former mayor of Kingston Councillor Yogan Yoganathan has been made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours.

The Lib Dem councillor, who represents St Mark’s ward in Surbiton, has been recognised for services to local government and community relations in north Surrey.

Coun Yoganathan, originally from Sri Lanka, was mayor between 2005 and 2006 and set out an agenda of helping the elderly and the young by choosing to support the Magic Roundabout counselling service for children, the environmental youth charity Save the World Club and the Milaap Centre for elderly people.

A delighted Coun Yoganathan said receiving the MBE was a “great shock”.

He said: “I’m amazed, but very pleased. This is for the community I serve and the local authority.

“We are in a fantastic part of the world - I have lived here for 42 years - and this award is for everyone. I hope the new year brings luck to all of us.”

Also honoured was Ann Beasley, from New Malden, who was made a CBE for her work with the Ministry of Justice.

Brian Rockliffe, a director of Voluntary Services Overseas, from Kingston, was made an OBE.

Lyndy Reynolds, former deputy head of the Government Legal Service Secretariat, from Surbiton, was appointed an OBE, while Michael Orbell, from Worcester Park, was made an MBE for services to Scouting.

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