A local man who has played a key role in the regeneration of the Greater Shankill has received an OBE.

Tom Scott, 52, who works for the Greater Shankill Partnership, received the accolade for services to the community in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to The CT, Mr Scott, from Dorchester in Newtownabbey, said: “I am delighted. I was initially told in November but couldn’t tell anybody about it but I am really pleased.

“My family are all chuffed. They are really pleased for me. I am just back from holiday and everyone in work is so happy. It is a recognition of the work done here.

“Before I came to the Greater Shankill Partnership I was a senior civil servant. I have also been involved with the scouts all my life on a voluntary basis.”

Based in the Spectrum centre, the Greater Shankill Partnership takes a lead role in regeneration of the Greater Shankill area.

Mr Scott continued: “I chair the board of the Greater Shankill partnership and have done for the past four years.

“The partnership works towards tackling many issues including, educational, physical regeneration and anti-social behaviour.

“Everyone is really pleased I have received this award. There is a team of good people working in the spectrum centre and this award is a reflection of all the people working for the Greater Shankill Partnership, improving life for all in the Shankill.”

Mr Scott was amongst fifty-one people from Northern Ireland who received CBEs, OBEs or MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list.

A total of 15 people from Belfast were honoured including: John Logan, Brian McCargo, Thomas Scott, Brian Sinnamon, who all received an OBE, while Robert Bloomfield, Timothy Craig, William Grindle, Ping-ka Wong JP, Robert Guiler and Kenneth Hemming were awarded MBEs.

Meanwhile, Desmond Austin, Philip James and Christine McCullough each received the Queen’s Police Medal.