Seven people people have been recognised in the 2020 New Year Honours list for their contributions to Sutton.

Former principal of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, Dr Caroline Allen O.B.E has been made a Dame.

Dr Allen retired earlier this year after spending 32 years at OHC&AT.

Dame Allen said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be receiving this honour.

"I have been privileged to work with very talented students with special needs and with highly skilled staff, senior leaders, board members and governors at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust.

"It is a unique and remarkable organisation and I owe the achievement of this Honour to the support and commitment of the people there.”

Another Sutton resident who made the list is Graham Pendlebury, who recently stepped down as a director of local transport at the department for transport.

He becomes a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for public service.

Order of the British Empire (OBE) medals were awarded to Simon Everest and Adrian Gault.

Mr Everest, who is the head of the Department of International Trade's Defence and Security Organisation was honoured for his services to international trade.

Sutton man Adrian Gault, one of the longest serving members of staff on the Committee on Climate Change, received an OBE in recognition for services to the environment and tackling climate change.

Bosnian genocide survivor, Safet Vukalic, received a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (B.E.M.) for his services to genocide education.

Special mention must also go to Richard Anthony (Tony) Kerslake who has been awarded an M.B.E. for services to education and the arts in Sutton.

Mr Kerslake, who lives in Kingston, is a former Sutton councillor and was Mayor of Sutton from 1983 to 1984. Tony is a great supporter of the arts and chaired the Sutton Arts Council for many years. He continues to be an active school governor in the borough

There was also fantastic news in this year's list for Cally Palmer C.B.E. who has been made a Dame in recognition for her services to cancer medicine. Ms Palmer is the chief executive of the Royal Marsden Hospital, which is one of the major partners involved in building the London Cancer Hub, to be based in Sutton.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, leader of Sutton Council, said: “We are proud to have such extraordinary people living and working in our borough.

"I am delighted to see Her Majesty the Queen has recognised them for their contribution towards helping others and helping to make life in Sutton better for everyone.”