TWO hard-working residents in the district have had their efforts acknowledged in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Anne McConnell has been awarded the MBE after almost 50 years of fundraising for Jubilee Lodge, in Chigwell.

Mrs McConnell, from Coopersale, is the longest-serving fundraiser for the charity, which offers respite breaks for the disabled.

Also recognised for his community efforts is John Powell, the head of music and performing arts at Davenant Foundation School, in Loughton.

He receives an MBE for services to education.