THE chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, Surrey’s chief fire officer and a Surrey Police detective who has made a difference to the lives of many bereaved families across the county were among those recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list this week.

Colin Squire, who joined his family business in the late 1950s and is a hugely respected figure in the garden centre trade, was awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to the horticulture industry and to charity.

Over the last 60 years Colin’s determination, relentless hard work and sound business acumen has helped propel this small family company to one of the best known independent groups of garden centres in the country, with 15 centres spread across the South East including its headquarters in Badshot Lea.

Colin said: “I was so surprised and delighted to learn of this award. I feel immensely honoured. I have been very fortunate to work in this wonderful industry and to have enjoyed the support and friendship of so many inspirational people in our business and the wider horticultural family.

“I remain very optimistic for the future of our industry even though there are many challenges ahead and I believe that horticulture can be a real force for good in the communities we serve.”

His daughter Sarah Squire, who is deputy chairman, added: “Under his inspiring management and leadership, the ethos of the company is well established as a caring, happy family company, constantly aiming to be at the forefront of the industry and committed to good service and good quality products.

“It is dad’s character, values and judgement that permeate the business, and his enthusiasm, ready smile and commitment are reflected throughout the organisation. We are all so proud of him.”

Russell Pearson, who joined Surrey Fire and Rescue Service in 1992 and was appointed Chief Fire Officer in 2007, was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for outstanding service to the emergency services and the public.

David Hodge, leader of Surrey County Council, said: “We’re delighted that Russell’s outstanding contribution over 25 years, including 10 years as Chief Fire Officer, has been recognised and rewarded with the Queen’s Fire Service Medal.

“We’d like to thank him for his dedicated leadership of the service and congratulate him on this honour which is a tribute to his hard work and that of the firefighters who support him in serving Surrey’s communities.”

Nick Hurd, Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, added: “Over his ten-year tenure as Chief Fire Officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, Russell Pearson has shown outstanding leadership and dedication to the fire service.

“In both his professional and voluntary service, Russell has introduced innovation and growth, and I thank him for his professionalism and service.”

Another public servant, Detective Constable Alice Barr, 49, was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal (QPM) in recognition for her services to supporting families of victims of homicide.

Since her initial deployment on a high-profile missing person enquiry and the subsequent murder investigation, DC Barr has supported many families during the most difficult times of their lives.

She said: “This has come as a complete shock and honour. It was totally unexpected but I would like to accept this on behalf of the whole family liaison team at Surrey as it is not an easy role to undertake and we all support each other.

“The role means people only tend to meet us when the worst possible things has happened in their life - a loved one dying. While we can’t make the situation better I feel passionately that we are there to help families manage and cope with the investigation and the justice process through their grief.”

Surrey Police Chief Constable Nick Ephgrave, said: “I am delighted that Alice has been formally recognised for the tremendous work she continues to do for families in the most distressing of situations. Alice is a credit to Surrey Police and a fantastic role model for all aspiring detectives.”

Honours were given to a total of 29 residents in Surrey and 27 in Hampshire this new year.