An accountant who has dedicated 10 years to helping disabled people, the chief executive of Merton’s voluntary services and a university worker have been named in the New Year’s Honour’s list.

Stephen Jack, chairman of Independent Living Fund, a non-departmental public body set up to provide support to the disabled, has been given an OBE.

Mr Jack, who has lived in Merton for the past 30 years, is a qualified accountant who joined the organisation in 2003 as a trustee before becoming chairman in 2007.

He said: “The news was a mixture of excitement and embarrassment in equal measure. It is exciting and I am very honoured to be thought of, but it is embarrassing because there are a huge number of people in the organisation who work very hard and deserve recognition.”

Independent Living Fund assess, support and fund about 18,000 disabled people across the UK, handling about £300m in government funds.

Christine Frost was chief executive of Merton Voluntary Service Council having helped set it up in the 1980s.

Known across the borough for her tireless efforts it was a huge shock to hundreds when she died suddenly in November aged 67.

She had only just found out she was to receive and MBE.

Dr Kenton Lewis is partnership manager at St George’s University attached to the hospital.

He has been awarded a MBE for his services to Higher Education, having helped put together the university’s award winning Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award for improving social inclusion in 2008.

Wimbledon Times:

Dr Kenton Lewis (left) receiving the Dragon Award