A dedicated Bromsgrove public servant has been honoured in the Queens New Year’s Honours list.

Lyril Rawlins, who works for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has been honoured with an MBE for his services to DWP and the community in the West Midlands.

He joined the DWP in 1971 and has been Disability Employment Advisor and Coach at Selly Oak JCP since January 2017.

He is also one of 13 DWP employees to be honoured in the 2019 list, for going above and beyond expectations.

Lyril said: “I have had the honour to work with some truly wonderful individuals.

"It has dawned on me over the years that my interest in people has been turned into positive force for good as I’ve been able to help claimants identify their strengths and take their first steps forward," He added.

“Sometimes their journeys have been long, but equally I’ve been amazed at how quickly a small increase in confidence has turned into a gallop towards independence from benefits.”

Another local recipient of honours this year is Ruth Mary Brent from Lickey, who is the founder, and managing director of the Patient Experience Network. She has been handed an MBE for ‘services to improving patient experiences in the NHS.