Contributions made by Norfolk men and women at local, national and international levels have been recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

One couple's 27 years of service to a luncheon club they set up has been recognised with the British Empire Medal.

Roy and Mary Hansell founded the St Luke's Luncheon Club in Norwich, which has seen its membership rise from an initial 12 people to 40 today.

Mr Hansell, 84, of Havers Road, Norwich, said: 'When Mary started cooking we knew we were going to have 12 people and she said 'I have never cooked for more than four', but I said all you have to do is do four, and multiply it by three. She has been multiplying ever since.'

Businessman and Christian philanthropist Graham Dacre, who sponsored the first academy in Norfolk and founded a youth venue in the centre of Norwich, has been made a CBE.

The Lind Trust, backed by Mr Dacre, bought the former Barclays Bank building on Bank Plain, Norwich, for use as a youth venue in 2003, and in 2006 he sponsored the Open Academy School, in partnership with the Bishop of Norwich

Margaret Stuart, 86, a volunteer who helped set up the Priscilla Bacon Lodge for people needing palliative care, at the Colman Hospital in Norwich, said she was humbled by her British Empire Medal. She said: 'It's a great privilege being involved with patients and I receive far more than I can ever hope to give.'

Lady Pippa Dannatt said being for voluntary service to an armed forces charity belongs to the military families of injured serviceman.

Lady Dannatt, who lives in Keswick, has been made an MBE for voluntary service with in the Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) for 25 years.

She said: 'The MBE is not for me, but for every one of those military families, and particularly the amazing families of our injured servicemen and women, who have been through so much, and will continue to do so.

'They are the real heroes here, not me, and this award is definitely for them.'

Prof Cathie Martin may be best known for her purple tomatoes, but the biologist has been made an MBE as a recognition of her work as editor-in-chief of the American monthly journal The Plant Cell.

The 58-year-old, who lives in Brooke, near Norwich, said that since taking up the role in 2008 she had opened it up to European and Asian research papers, making it a more international publication.

A paediatrician who received national and international recognition for her work to protect children from abuse has been made an MBE.

Dr Rosalyn Proops, 62, medical director of Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, has worked as a community paediatrician in Norfolk for more than 25 years, and been involved in the development of national child protection policies, as well as researching, teaching and training across a range of health and social care organisations, the police, and the judiciary to educate colleagues.

Andy Wood, chief executive of Adnams and chairman of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, has been made an OBE. The 53-year-old, of Taverham, was cited for services to business and the community in East Anglia.

A senior policeman who played a key role in ensuring the security of last year's Olympic and Paralympic Games has been made an OBE.

Ian Quinton, who lives near Dereham, and is a former chief superintendent at Norfolk Constabulary, became the Head of Olympic Security Architecture and Design in 2008.

He said: 'The biggest challenge was drawing all the moving parts together. We were simultaneously worried about terrorist attacks, flooding, major crimes and public order.'

The founder of the region's life-saving air ambulance charity has been made an MBE for services to the emergency services in East Anglia.

Andrew Egerton-Smith, a former chairman of the East Anglian NHS Ambulance Trust, founded the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 1998 when he recognised the need for an airborne emergency response team.

Mr Egerton-Smith, 70, from Welborne, near Dereham, said: 'I was absolutely delighted, not just personally, but on behalf of the whole charity. It is all down to the incredibly generous donations from the public that have enabled us to grow and become what we are today.'

A loyal volunteer who has served St John Ambulance for almost 70 years has been awarded a British Empire Medal.

Florence Mann, 88, of Swanton Avenue in Dereham, joined the organisation in 1944 during the second world war, and is now divisional secretary for her local branch.

Author, musician and community organiser David O'Neale, from Bridgham near Thetford, is made an MBE for services to the community.

Despite being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, Mr O'Neale has continued to play leading role in village life.

A familiar face around Thetford Forest has been awarded a British Empire Medal. David Kingsnorth from Weeting is being honoured for services to forestry and the voluntary service through Suffolk Special Constabulary.

The community ranger for the Forestry Commission works with the Brandon Safer Neighbourhood Team to tackle crime around the forest and gives a police presence to areas where officers are rarely seen.

He worked for the Forestry Commission for more than 25 years and been a ranger for the seven.

Also honoured is Michael Gooderson, group scout leader of the 17th Holborn Scouts and lately chairman of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Scout and Guide Project. He received the British Empire Medal.

Andrew Cuthbert, 77, from Field Dalling, near Fakenham, has been made an MBE for services to young people after he founded the Norfolk Boat (Sail Training) Charity in 1980.

Frank Oldfield, 76, has been made an MBE for his services to the farming industry and the advancement of farming practice through research.

As managing director of the Marquess of Townsend's Raynham Estate for half a century, Mr Oldfield pioneered the introduction of new crops including oilseed rape.

Mr Oldfield has been a trustee and of the John Innes Foundation.

Karen Harvey, who has been helping Great Yarmouth families for almost 25 years, said she was 'amazed' to be made an MBE.

She is leader of Greenacre and Great Yarmouth Children's Centre, and was recognised for services to children and families.

A village stalwart in south Norfolk is the proud recipient of the British Empire Medal. Barry Miskin, 74, moved to Thurlton, near Loddon, 15 years ago. 'I am delighted and honoured to receive the British Empire Medal but I accept it on behalf of all the other voluntary workers in the village,' he said.

Also honoured were two people behind the running of the Sandringham Estate.

Helen Walch, Sandringham Estate's public enterprises manager, has been made a Member of the Victorian Order and the Queen's land agent, Marcus O'Lone, has been made a Commander of the Victorian Order.