DESPITE a pantheon of community service and achievement during the past year, Thurrock was largely bypassed in this year's New Year's Honours list.

There are borough connections to at least three recipients of awards, including the mother of East Thurrock and South Basildon MP, Stephen Metcalfe.

Valarie Metcalfe was an Essex county councillor until May last year and has been awarded an MBE for political and public service. As well as being a councillor she has held positions in the regional Conservative administration.

An MBE has also been awarded to dancer and TV personality Ashley Banjo who now lives in Bicknacre. Founder of the Diversity dance group which has many connections to Thurrock, he was recognised for his services to dance.

And Olympic gold medalist Max Whitlock, who was recognised for his inspirational achievements in a Nub News story yesterday (31 December) when local youngster Kaydn Jackson from Stanford-le-Hope spoke about how he wanted to follow in his idol's footsteps, had been given an OBE to add to his previous MBE.

With 14 medals and six titles in Olympic and world championships, Mr Whitlock - who has a home in Bulphan - is the most successful gymnast in British history.

Editor's apology: An earlier version of this story stated Mrs Valarie Metcalfe was Mr Metcalfe's wife, she is, of course, his mother.