Jane Atkins, 62, has been awarded an MBE for services to water resources and the natural environment in north-west England.

Ronald East, 75, will become a medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to the restoration of church bells and the bell ringing in Cumbria.

For 38 years, Jane has driven the practical application of the field of hydroecology, engaging academia, regulators and water companies in finding solutions to protecting habitats whilst also enabling a safe secure public water supply.

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She led the Habitats Directive Review of over 1,000 abstraction licences in Cumbria to protect internationally-important habitats and species and identify action needed to protect the environment.

Her analysis revealed that the public water supply abstraction was causing problems for the globally significant pearl freshwater mussel population in the river Ehen which was not viable given the lack of juvenile mussels.

She redesigned the water releases and reinstated the original course of an upland stream, Ben Gill, to improve flow and habitat.

Ronald East began bellringing in Carlisle in the early 1990s after he had moved to the town as a science teacher.

He was and remains, an enthusiastic, skilled, and committed campanologist.

The Cathedral had a total number of eight bells which were felt to be of poor acoustic quality. Therefore the "Millennium Project" was set up to replace the bells by the year 2000.

SURPRISED: Ronald East found out he was to be awarded when a letter appeared through the post

Five of these bells were found to be of historical value. He creatively and constructively found other uses for the bells of historical value.

The Millennium Appeal was extremely successful in raising funds, and eventually thirteen bells were purchased for the Cathedral tower.

He arranged the installation of various walkways and viewing platforms so that the Cathedral could safely host viewing visits to the belfry.

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In 2013 he was chosen by the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral to be Tower Captain and was reappointed for a further five-year term in 2018 in this current role.

After his significant contribution at Carlisle Cathedral he then progressed further and became Diocesan Bell Adviser.

'Very surprising!'

Sharing his reaction after receiving the news, Ronald said: “The letter from the Cabinet Office just appeared through the post out of the blue! Reading that I will become a recipient of the Order of the British Empire medal was very surprising.

“Over the last 23 years I’ve worked in about 130 churches, restoring bells and ringing in the Cathedral.

"My main duty is to look after all 921 church bells in Cumbria.”

Elsewhere, there have been a number of other awards.

Jonathan Paul Johnson, chief executive officer at West Lakes Multi Academy Trust, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to education.

Sarah Maria Bradbury of Defra has been awarded an MBE for services to farming and to the administration of justice.

Catherine Anne Giel has been awarded an MBE for services to the nuclear industry and to the community in West Cumbria.

Nigel Wilkinson, the managing director of Windermere Lake Cruises Ltd, has been awarded an MBE for services to tourism and the Cumbrian economy.

DESERVED: Nigel Wilkinson has been praised for his commitment to the county (Image: Lake District National Park Authority)

Lord Inglewood, Cumbria LEP’s chair, said: “This award is very well-deserved and recognises the commitment that Nigel has made to Cumbria.

"A timely and very well-deserved honour.”

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HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman congratulated all the award winners: “To be awarded an Honour is a huge achievement and I do congratulate all the recipients whose contributions to our communities make such a difference," she said.

“I would encourage people to think about someone that they know who always goes the extra mile for others and who has made an outstanding contribution to their community or to their area of work over the years.

"Anyone can nominate a person for an honour and I am very keen for people who have given exceptional service to receive the recognition they deserve.”