People from all walks of Sussex life are today celebrating recognition in the New Year's Honours.

They join some of the biggest names in showbusiness and sport honoured by the Queen as she begins her Golden Jubilee year.

Deputy chief constable Maria Wallis receives the Queen's Police Medal for taking over the running of the force.

She received the award for her role in the wake of the fatal shooting of unarmed James Ashley, providing a steady hand on the tiller after Sussex Police was rocked by the resignation of former Chief Constable Paul Whitehouse in September.

She replaces Deputy Chief Constable Mark Jordan who has also retired early after being suspended for his role in issuing the police firearms used in the shooting.

Mrs Wallis is credited with restoring public confidence in the force.

She said: "It is a real honour to receive this award, not just for me personally but for the whole of Sussex Police.

"We have come through a very difficult time and are ending the year with some very positive improvements in our performance."

Meanwhile, veteran golfer Max Faulkner, from Pulborough, becomes an OBE for winning the Open in 1951.

Sheila Wallis, head teacher of Davison High School for Girls, Worthing, becomes a Dame.

Ann Cummings, of Buckle Rise, Seaford, is made an MBE for helping to establish and run a specialist care centre for victims of brain injury.

Sir George Christie, who oversaw the creation of the new opera house at Glyndebourne, is made a Companion of Honour.

Middleton parish councillor Ted Chandler is made an MBE.

Nationally, veteran broadcaster Jimmy Young gets a knighthood and former England manager Graham Taylor becomes an OBE.