A former rugby international who has played a key role in efforts to ensure a peaceful future for Northern Ireland has been named in the New Year Honours List.

Holywood man Trevor Ringland, a member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board who played for Ulster, Ireland and the British Lions during his rugby career, was made a MBE for his services to the community.

With involvement in many sectors, Mr Ringland, who is also a solicitor, said he believed he has received the award for his work as campaign chair for the One Small Step campaign, which aims to promote equality and respect for all residents of Northern Ireland.

“It is very nice to be honoured but so many people out there are working hard, often quietly, to rebuild what others are trying to destroy,” he said.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many people doing such wonderful work and who are doing more work than me to build a peaceful future for Northern Ireland and I regard this award as symbolic recognition of that work.

“I have been fortunate enough to be involved in some of the work being done and I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to make our own small contribution to society so that we can continue to bring out the best from Northern Ireland.

“Sometimes we don’t give proper recognition to those who have been prepared to let go of the past and free up our community and I like to think that this award does that.”

Among the other recipients in North Down and Ards to receive honours were Gordon Cave, from Bangor, who was given a MBE for his work for charitable services to healthcare.

Mr Cave, who is chair of the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast Liver Support Group, said he was “very surprised and shocked”.

“This came absolutely out of the blue,” he said. “But once it sank in I feel honoured and privileged as do my wife and two sons and grandchildren who are thrilled.

“It really is hard to take in but the thought of going to Buckingham Palace is unbelievable and a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Mr Cave, who received a liver transplant in 1997, said he was inspired to help people in a similar position to what he went through before his transplant.

“I was originally diagnosed with chronic liver disease caused by a virus and it inspired me. It was a lonely time. If I can do something to help people who have gone through what I have then I will.”

Bangor man Trevor Salmon received an OBE for services to local government. As city treasurer at Belfast City Council Mr Salmon said he was “thrilled and delighted” at the news.

“As city treasurer, I have been privileged to have one of the most important jobs in local government,” Mr Salmon said.

“A big thank you is due to those who nominated and supported me, especially my wife Kathy.”

Meanwhile, Newtownards man Leslie Murray received a CBE for services to the environment. Mr Murray is chairman of Tidy Northern Ireland. He said he was “surprised but pleased” at the news.

“My family are very proud of me as are all those who I have worked with over the years,” he added.

Patricia Grindle, from Bangor, was awarded an MBE for services to special needs in Northern Ireland. Mrs Grindle is principal at Mitchell House Special School in east Belfast.