The New Year Honours List for 2026 has been published, and several outstanding individuals from Cumbria have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to public service, community life, and professional achievement.

The UK Honours system celebrates people who have gone above and beyond to make a positive difference in society and Cumbrians from all areas of the county and beyond have been recognised.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott, said: “It’s a moment of great pride for our county to see so many Cumbrian residents recognised for their remarkable contributions to our communities.

“Being awarded an Honour is a truly significant achievement, and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients.”

This year’s recipients from Cumbria include:

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Mrs Claire Gallery-Strong
  Corporate Services Director, Nuclear Waste Services
  For services to the Nuclear Industry
  (Gosforth, Seascale, Whitehaven)
• Mr Gary McKee
  Fundraiser
  For services to Charity and to the community in Cleator Moor
  (Cleator Moor)
• Mr Charles David Owen Morris
  For services to Cinema in the North of England
  (Lindale, Grange-over-Sands)
• Mrs Catherine Mary Parums
  Head of Remembrance Events, The Royal British Legion
  For services to National Commemorative Events
  (Heversham, Milnthorpe)
• Miss Georgia Marie Stanway
  For services to Association Football
  (Barrow-in-Furness)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Mrs Nina Bale
  For services to the Homeless Community in Kendal
  (Crooklands, Milnthorpe)
• Mrs Frances Elizabeth Hill
  Caretaker, John Ruskin School
  For services to Education
  (Coniston)
• Mrs Susan Holliday
  Special Constable, Cumbria Constabulary
  For services to Policing and to the community in Cumbria
  (Biglands, Wigton)
• Mrs Christine Marie Pattinson
  Volunteer, Distington Big Local
  For services to the community in Distington, West Cumbria
  (Distington)

Anyone can nominate someone for a UK Honour through the open-access system. Honours are awarded to people from all walks of life following a rigorous process involving the Honours Committee, the Prime Minister, and final approval by HM The King. The process can take up to 18 months, with announcements made in the New Year and Birthday Honours Lists.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott added: “I encourage everyone to think about individuals who consistently go above and beyond for others, whether through exceptional service to their community or outstanding dedication in their work.

“By nominating someone, you can help ensure their extraordinary efforts have the opportunity to be celebrated and acknowledged.”

Nomination forms and guidance are available via the Cumbria Lieutenancy website here.