THE Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria is urging residents to nominate people who make a special contribution in the county for an official honour.

Claire Hensman said anyone can nominate someone for a UK honour through the 'open access' system.

The honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public and community life, and are committed to making a difference to those around them.

“I would encourage people to think about someone that they know who always goes the extra mile for others and who has made a special contribution to their community or to their area of work over the years," said Mrs Hensman. "These awards are special and for me they are the highest possible recognition of a job well done.”

The final decision as to who receives an honour is first decided by the Honours Committee and their recommendations will then go to the Prime Minister and finally to HM The Queen.

On approval, and the whole process can take up to two years, an announcement of recipients will be made in HM The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List and HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June.

For all the details on putting forward a nomination go to www.cumbria.gov.uk/Lord-Lieutenant