UNSUNG heroes have been recognised with a glittering array of volunteers, academics, artists and business names recognised on the New Year Honours list.

A raft of worthy recipients will be given the British Empire Medal, including Ann Glenesk, a volunteer at HM Prison Low Moss, and Derek Norval, for services to music in East Dunbartonshire.

Derek was rewarded for his work in music, including as course director of the Music School of Douglas Academy in Milngavie and with the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

He has been organist of St Paul’s Church, Milngavie, for 25 years.

The 69-year-old said: “I felt very privileged to find out I was to be given a British Empire Medal and very surprised.

“This is a tremendous highlight of my career.”

Ann said she would not believe she had received a gong until she could hold it in her hands.

A spokeswoman for The Scottish Prison Service said: “Ann has been involved with HMP Low Moss since its opening back in 2012 and it is those in our care, as well as their families, who benefit from her hard work and long-standing dedication which this award recognises.”

Also accepting a British Empire Medal are Agnes Fullerton, for voluntary service in Glasgow.; George Gray. For services to the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and the community in Stonehouse; Patricia Newton, convener of Age Concern in Eastwood; Lillias Robinson of St. Andrew’s Clinics for Children in Rutherglen; and Patricia Slavin, for services to Human Resources in East Kilbride.

Two retired Glasgow children’s panel members are being awarded an MBE.

Jean Rough is recognised for services to the Children’s Hearings System in Scotland while John Sharpe is hailed for his work as National Chair of the Royal Observer Corps Association and for voluntary service to the Children’s Hearings System in Scotland and the Royal Observer Corps.

Mr Sharpe gave 26 years to the Children’s Hearing system before retiring in November 2015 and, combined with his Royal Observer work, he has volunteered for 44 years.

He said: “It is a high honour to be given an MBE and far more than my expectations. It is really more than I ever thought I would receive.”

Also being recognised with an MBE is Louise Kilby, chairwoman of Geeza Break; Salena Begley, of The Family Fund; Joanna Butterfield from Govan for services to Field Athletics; and Angela Cameron, head of Counter Fraud and Whistleblowing Unit, Department for International Development.

Surjit Singh Chowdhary, vice-president of the Central Gurdwara Singh Sabha Glasgow also received an MBE for services to the Sikh Community and charity.

In 2015 his contribution helped Kidney Research UK win the Community Category at the Scottish Asian Business Awards.

He has held several key roles including serving on the boards of Southside Housing Association, the Ethnic Minority Law Centre and as unpaid Trustee of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.

He has contributed and raised awareness of many charitable ventures such as for Bangladeshi flood victims, Pakistan’s earthquake appeal; post tsunami relief work and financial projects allowing couples from poor families in India to marry in accordance with local customs.

He is a voluntary faith counsellor for Sikh prisoners in Scotland and has been instrumental in encouraging the next generation of Scottish Sikhs in fulfilling their potential.

He set up the Patiala Institute of Engineering & Technology for Women (PIET), now affiliated with the West of Scotland University and a nursing college in Khanna, Punjab to educate under-privileged young woman to give them better opportunities in life through scholarships.

The founder of a renowned business boosting enterprise is to step down after five years as he accepts an MBE.

Jim Duffy announced he will leave Entrepreneurial Spark this summer.

Based in Glasgow, the firm has offered thousands of start-ups support, professional guidance and free office space.

It now has branches throughout the UK and Ireland and is the world largest free business accelerator.

Former Strathclyde Police Officer Jim receives a gong in recognition of his contribution to the business community.

Jane Davidson, Director of Outreach and Education at Scottish Opera, has been appointed an MBE for her work with what is Europe’s oldest opera outreach unit.

Jane has been with Scottish Opera’s education team, which was established in 1971, since 1984.

She is responsible for the formulation of policy for the Company’s education strategy, and for the commissioning of new works for education and outreach projects.

She said: “I’m delighted and extremely touched to receive this honour in recognition of the work that Scottish Opera’s unique outreach programme has achieved in Scotland and internationally.

“Not many of us are fortunate enough to spend their working life in an environment full of new challenges.”

Two Glasgow University professors will receive OBEs for their work.

Professor Mary Ann Lumsden, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, is rewarded for services to Women’s Health while Professor James Charles Neil, Professor of Virology and Molecular Oncology, is recognised for services to the Advancement of Biomedical Sciences.

Professor Lumsden said: “I am delighted and surprised to have been awarded an OBE for services to Women’s Health.

“I would like to thank all those who have helped me achieve this award and I will continue to use every opportunity I have of improving women’s health around the world.”

Professor Paul Knight, Associate Medical director with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; Alison Spurway, for services to Girlguiding and charity; and Margaret Gibson, for services to Business and Entrepreneurship, also receive OBEs.

Professor Paul Martin, depute Principal of the University of the West of Scotland, and Professor Jill Pell, Henry Mechan Professor of Public Health at Glasgow University, will both receive a CBE.

Professor Martin said: “I’m delighted, of course, to be included in the awards and humbled to be ranked alongside my peers in the 2017 New Year’s Honours given the quality of their work and achievements.

“This means a lot to me and to my family, whose support has helped me throughout my career.”

Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell said: “Scotland’s honours recipients are superb ambassadors for Scotland.

“They truly deserve their recognition today, and I congratulate each and every one of them.

“It is right that we recognise the ‘unsung heroes’ of our communities. The length and breadth of Scotland, an army of volunteers shows unstinting dedication, commitment and compassion, week in week out.

“This award marks that hard work and selflessness.”