Singer, broadcaster and community worker Sandra Godley has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for charitable service to the community in Coventry. Sandra is a BBC CWR presenter, a trustee of Christians in Media and an ambassador and advocate for the charity AtaLoss, which helps bereaved people find support and wellbeing as welll as being a trustee of community station Radio Plus.

Amongst others, another prominent name included in this year’s New Year Honours List is the former leader of Holy Trinity Brompton, Rev Nicky Gumbel. The 68-year-old has been awarded a CBE for his services to the Church of England. More than 1,200 recipients have been included in this year.

New Year Honours Lists mark ‘the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK’. The Cabinet Office says recipients are awarded ‘for their outstanding contributions across all parts of the UK for their work on areas including sustained public service, youth engagement and community work.’

Speaking to AStepFWD, Sandra said, “I’m so deeply moved to receive this award but it’s also a signal for me to do more. I hope this award encourages young people to live out their lives creatively. It’s time more women were helped to break the glass ceilings that exist in the music world. My Christian faith motivates me to love with no limits and pass on whatever I’ve learned.”

Sandra is pictured above at the recent StepFWD Awards presenting an award for Song of the Year.