The Rev David Hands, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Millfield, is a driver with Stagecoach in the city.

David, 63, who provides his passengers with a running commentary on the history of the city and anniversaries of historic events, receives an MBE for services to pubic transport.

"I am absolutely thrilled," he told the Echo.

"It is really about the people on the bus who encourage me.

"One little lad said: 'I wish you were my grandad.' You can't get a better recommendation than that."

Sunderland Multiple Sclerosis Society chairman Alan Lindsley is made an MBE for services to the branch.

Alan's wife Joan has had MS for some 40 years and he has led the Sunderland branch since 1983.

"I feel very proud," said 71-year-old Alan.

"I received an international carer's award three years ago but this is definitely higher than that."

Sheila Davidson, founder of the Bridge Project, which provides community education to women, becomes an MBE for services to women in Washington.

"I am absolutely delighted. I think this is for all the women who have supported the project," said the 60-year-old.

"I have been involved from the very beginning.

"I was one of the founding workers and have been part of it for 21 years."

Two women working to promote social enterprise are also honoured.

Sunderland Home Care Associates founder Margaret Elliott and Kate Welch, of Peterlee-based Acumen Development Trust, are awarded the OBE.

Margaret founded the employee-owned Sunderland Home Care Associates 13 years ago, and it is now one of the largest employee-owned home care companies in the UK.

"This is a great, personal honour for me to be awarded an OBE," she said.

"I see it is a huge pat on the back for the 220 owner workers of Sunderland Home Care Associates for their hard work and commitment to providing high quality care and support to our clients."

Kate Welch said she was "quite overwhelmed" with the news.

"It is great recognition for social enterprise in the North East," she said.


National honours

Pop star and actress Kylie Minogue gets an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

The Australian performer is joined by Michael Parkinson, the master of the TV chat show, who gets a knighthood and Des Lynam, the distinguished sports commentator, who receives an OBE for services to sport.

CBEs are awarded to Brendan Foster, the long-distance runner and founder of the Great North Run, Harry Potter star Julie Walters and actor Leslie Phillips.

Children's author Jacqueline Wilson, creator of Tracy Beaker, becomes a Dame.