Some of the Midlands unsung heroes in a wide variety of fields have been recognised with some of the country’s highest honours in 2021's New Year's Honours.

Here is the full list:

Bring it on Brum – the city’s winter holiday activities and food programme has now been finalised. Holiday clubs ran across the city for four days from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 December inclusive, but there will now be a smaller number of programmes available, post-Christmas, until schools return in the New Year.

Open to families with school-aged children aged 5 to 16, daily activities and food are being laid on for free for those who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals or have additional needs.

Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Laura Shoaf, has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List published today for services to economic regeneration in the West Midlands.

Laura receives a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) recognising her contribution for over twenty years to transport services and economic regeneration in the West Midlands.

This Christmas Salvation Army bands have been playing again in towns and cities up and down the country after they had to stay silent last year.

The evocative sound of a brass band playing can stop the most determined commuters and shoppers in their tracks as they catch the tunes of a familiar Christmas carol.

It’s time To take a step forward once more, for the New Year is at hand.

One can move from ‘the past’ to ‘the present’ and turn over a new leaf in one’s life. Change completely if required and have a new life altogether!

Every new year provides a chance to reflect, and for many, getting a healthier balance between work and life is a priority resolution. So start your 2022 off right by planning a few moments of creativity from day one!

Creativity and mindfulness go hand in hand, and The January Challenge, from arts organisation 64 Million Artists, now in its ninth year, offers 31 chances to get involved in an accessible creative challenge, making a positive difference to your life in 2022.