A parish council chairman has been named in today's New Year's Honours list.

An MBE was also presented to Littlebourne parish council chairman
Cllr Vivienne Spratt in recognition of her services to the community.

Grandmother-of-three Cllr Spratt, who lives in Jubilee Road with husband Howard, has served as a parish councillor for more than eight years, and chairman for the past five.

She is also on committees for the Littlebourne Children's Centre, the city council's Play Providers Steering Group and the Four Village Post Office Shop and runs the village youth group.

She said: "My husband and I moved to Littlebourne 15 years ago and I initially got involved with the parish council as I was interested in planning issues.

"My other main interest in the village is children and young people, so I spend a lot of time working with them and raising funds for facilities.

"I played a large part in getting the Children's Centre, the youth shelter, new play equipment and mini BMX track for the village.

"I was also instrumental in getting the village's outdoor gym and refurbishing the facilities at the village hall."

Cllr Spratt also carries out a lot of fundraising for breast cancer charities, after her daughter-in-law Jane died aged 28 from the disease.

She said: "Jane had two daughters with my son Paul, Samantha-Jayne, now aged 19, and Kirsty, 17, and they have always helped me raise money for charity in memory of their mum.

"Paul is now remarried to Eve, and they have an eight-year-old daughter, Erin, who also helps with my charity work."

Despite her huge body of community and charity work, however, Cllr Spratt says she was shocked to hear she had received the honour in November.

She said: "I was quite emotional when I read the letter, as it was such a surprise.

"You beaver away but you don't expect to get any recognition. I didn't do it with that in mind.

"I told Paul and my daughter Marisa on Christmas Day, swearing them to secrecy of course, and they couldn't believe it either!

"It will not change the way I work. I will carry on exactly as before."

Awarded an OBE was Colin Carmichael, chief executive of Canterbury City Council, for services to local government.

Colin Carmichael became the chief executive of the council in 1996 and lives in Canterbury with his wife and two children.

Oxford-educated Mr Carmichael, worked in London in the 1980s and early 1990s in Hackney and Camden.

Mr Carmichael is also a member of the governing bodies of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University. He chairs the Corporation of Canterbury College.

Beyond his professional commitments, Colin has a keen interest in gardening, the environment, and walking and cycling through Canterbury district's beautiful countryside. He also sings with the Canterbury Choral Society.

Amanda Cottrell from Challock, who has eight roles in Kent and is the former High Sheriff, has been recognised for her services to the community.

Firstly she is chairman of Canterbury-based Visit Kent, the private-public partnership supporting the county's £2.5bn tourism industry, as well as patron of Produced in Kent, the county produce promoters.

Her other roles include Kent Ambassador, trustee and friend of Canterbury Cathedral, and trustee of the Kent Community Housing Trust and the Kent Wildlife Trust.

In addition she is vice president of the Canterbury Festival and chairman of Fairbridge Kent, which supports young people across the county.

Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of Visit Kent, said: "This honour is no surprise.

"She is one in a million with tremendous energy and drive.

"Amanda has dedicated her life to serving the people of Kent and assisting numerous community groups and organisations in achieving their goals.

"She is a remarkable person and I am delighted that her contribution to our county has been recognised."

Earlier this year Mrs Cottrell was presented with a Kent Invicta Award by Kent County Council, a prize for giving exceptional service to, or acting as a role model for, the residents of Kent.

In that ceremony she was given a £5,000 charitable cheque, which she donated to the Fairbridge Trust.

Mrs Cottrell was High Sheriff of Kent in 2006/07.

She has also served as a magistrates for more than 20 years, been a member and chairman of her local parish council, a school governor, county president of the Kent Girl Guides and president of the NSPCC in Kent.