John Quin from Kingsdown has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours for his leadership of the Royal British Legion Industries at Aylesford, near Maidstone.

He said: "I feel very pleased and humbled."

In March he stepped down from his role as chief executive with the RBLI, which helps thousands of disabled and disadvantaged ex-service men and women. Guests at his farewell lunch included Dame Vera Lynn.

The OBE was awarded for services to ex-servicemen and women and will be presented by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Mr Quin, 70, joined the RBLI after retiring from a career as a finance director and wanted an opportunity to move into the voluntary sector.

He is now chairman of the Mission Aviation Fellowship, a Christian organisation with a mission to operate light aircraft in remote places where flying is not a luxury, but a lifeline.

* The Sandwich ward representative on the county council since 1997, Cllr Leyland Ridings, was awarded an MBE for his services to local government.

He has served as a cabinet member, been vice-chairman and chairman of KCC. He is now deputy cabinet member for vulnerable children.

Cllr Ridings is a JP, has been involved with a number of charitable organisations and is a honorary fellow of Canterbury Christ Church University.

FOR FULL DETAILS ABOUT THE TWO NEW YEAR HONOURS BUY THE EAST KENT MERCURY ON THURSDAY.