28 December 2012 Last updated at 19:22 ET

Whitby adoption adviser Martin Narey given knighthood

Martin Narey spent 30 years working in public service and the charitable sector

A former charity boss from Whitby who advises the government on adoption has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen's New Year Honours list.

Martin Narey has been honoured for services to vulnerable people.

He started his career in the NHS and was head of the prison and probation services before leading the Barnardo's charity from 2005 until 2011.

He said: "It was quite a shock when I opened the letter. It's vey nice, I'm very pleased."

Horseracing honour

John Sanderson, a major figure at several Yorkshire racecourses for more than 45 years, has been appointed OBE for services to the horse racing industry.

Sanderson has held important positions at York Racecourse and is still involved in the day-to-day running of courses at Catterick, Redcar, Thirsk and Wetherby.

He said he was "deeply shocked" when he was notified of the honour.

"In such a wonderful Olympic year like this with so many outstanding achievements in sport honoured and recognised I thought racing would have had a rather thin end of the wedge," he said.

"I am very honoured and mildly embarrassed."

Other people from North Yorkshire recognised in the list include:

• Charles Dugdale, the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, becomes a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order
• Brian Cantor, vice-chancellor, The University of York, appointed CBE for services to higher education
• Prof Susan Mendus, The University of York, appointed CBE for services to political science
• Dr Richard Reid, master stone and wood carver, from York, appointed OBE for services to heritage and restoration
• Prof Sarah Thompson, head of physics, University of York, appointed MBE for services to higher education
• David Warin appointed MBE for services to Drive Alive and to the community in Pickering
• Christopher Wilby, former executive director of Scarborough YMCA, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to young people