A FIREFIGHTER, a doctor, teachers and even a professional Premier League footballer are among Dorset residents to be recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

AFC Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe has been awarded an OBE for his services to the Jermain Defoe Foundation.

The England international has dedicated his time to the charity since it was formed in 2013.

He said he felt “blessed and humbled” to be recognised with an OBE, but he felt “mixed emotions”, with the award coming almost a year after the death of six-year-old Bradley Lowery.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Karen Adams has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal. Mrs Adams, who became the first wholetime female firefighter employed by Dorset Fire Brigade, said: “I am overwhelmed and extremely proud to receive this honour from HM The Queen and I look forward to celebrating at Buckingham Palace.

"My career has seen some significant changes in the fire and rescue service, in particular the shift in focus to fire prevention and the increase in women taking up operational firefighting roles.”

Carol Jackson has been awarded an MBE for services to education in her role as chair of governors at Fordingbridge Infants School.

She first took on the role of a parent governor in 1988, before acting as chair for more than 10 years.

“Initially it was a shock to me and quite thrilling to find out I was on the list. It is a voluntary job, it takes a lot of hard work.”

Eventing Olympic silver medalist William Fox-Pitt has received an MBE for services to equestrianism. Mr Fox-Pitt, who played a leading role in building Wood Lane Stables near Sturminster Newton, said he was hugely honoured to be given the award.

He said: “I have been so lucky to have been involved with wonderful horses and people throughout my life that have allowed me to make my passion into a successful career and this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

“I really am very grateful and feel very humbled to be recognised in this way.”

Tank Museum director Richard Smith was thrilled to be awarded an OBE, for services to military heritage.

“The highlight of the letter opening process was telling my kids that evening,” he told the Echo. “I said to my eldest daughter that I was very pleased because you don’t normally get these until you are quite old, and my 13-year-old daughter gave me the look that only a 13-year-old daughter can give her father.

“I’m the head of an organisation that has done really well. This hasn’t been done with my money, it has been achieved because we have been really well supported.

He said: “I haven’t done most of the work, as we have a big team with lots of volunteers and lots of really hard-working staff. And I’m not the only one who really loves the Tank Museum. The people who visit here love the place. I’m just in the lucky position as the figurehead, and I get a medal.”

Martin John Steeden, who recently retired after 40 years on the RNLI Swanage Lifeboat,has been awarded the MBE for services to maritime safety.

Mr Steeden said: “I’m thrilled and flattered, over the moon about it really.”

Meanwhile, John Powell, of Bournemouth, receives an MBE for services to lifesaving and the community in Dorset.

Pamela Ruthvan, of Pokesdown, received a British Empire Medal for her dedicated service to the community. She formerly served as chair of Pokesdown Community Forum.

Susan Downer, from Wimborne, also receive a British Empire Medal for services to children with disabilities and young people in Dorset and Somerset.

Sarah Fiona Haughey, from Ringwood, formerly executive director of nursing quality, Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, is honoured with an MBE for services to nursing.

Dr Tanzeem Raza, an acute medical consultant at The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he has worked for more then 20 years, is awarded the OBE.

He set up the Acute Medical Unit at Royal Bournemouth Hospital and has been involved in training doctors for over 20 years and was director of medical education at the hospital for 10 years until 2016. He has been responsible for training more than two dozen refugee doctors who now work within the NHS.

Dr Raza said: “I am truly humbled and honoured by this.”

“It was a real surprise when I heard the news as I was never expecting for my work to be recognised in this way.

“I am very proud of my time working at the NHS and it has been a real privilege to work in education with so many who have gone on to do so much for patients over the years. The refugee doctors I have worked with have also done so much for the NHS in their adopted country and it is fantastic that their talents have been allowed to develop here.”