A BIG HITTER in the food industry who relocated to Cumbria has received an OBE in the New Year Honours.

Lindsey Pownall, who lives at Watermillock, Ullswater, is a former chief executive of Samworth Brothers, whose brands include Ginsters.

She stepped down just over a year ago, after four years in the role and 20 years with the business, and has since become a non-executive director of Tesco.

Miss Pownall receives the OBE for services to business growth and productivity.

Also honoured is former high sheriff of Cumbria James Carr, who has served as chairman of Cumbria Community Foundation.

He receives the OBE for services to conservation, education and the community.

Mr Carr, a farmer, of Warwick-on-Eden, was also vice-chairman of Rural Regeneration in Cumbria in the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001.

He is a former chairman of the Cumberland Building Society and was nominated as High Sheriff in 2010. Prior to that he founded the Eden Rivers Trust.

Another farmer, Susan Aglionby, of Houghton, receives the OBE for services to young people and the local community in Cumbria. She donated her organic farm to Cumbria Wildlife Trust several years ago.

As well as rearing cattle, sheep, geese and a few hens, she runs educational tours for schoolchildren.

She has also been involved with the GirlGuiding movement and Cumbria Community Foundation.

Jennifer Foote, of Hutton Roof, near Penrith, has been awarded an MBE for services to further education (FE).

Years of dedication to the community of Rockcliffe earned Ann Hay the British Empire Medal.

Arthuret parish councillor Gordon Routledge also receives the British Empire Medal in recognition of a lifetime of service to his community.

Major Michael Thomas Bolderson, of Millom, receives the MBE for services in support of defence equipment, the same honour that goes to Charles Richard Godwin, of Grange over Sands, for services to charity.