A dance instructor, two former nurses, and seven other Bermudians have been recognised for their service to the community in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.

The list, released yesterday, is topped by former Hamilton Mayor William Boyle and former Belco CEO Llewellyn Vorley, who have both been named Officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Fred Hassell, a well-known advocate for seniors, and Frederick Ming, one of Bermuda's most acclaimed chefs, were appointed Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

OBE and MBE recipients are invited to London for an investiture, where the Queen will present the awards to recipients from around the Commonwealth.

Recipients of the Queen's Certificates and Badges of Honours will receive their awards this spring during a ceremony at Government House. The recipients are: Sheelagh Cooper, Suzette Harvey, Syliva Hayward-Harris, Shirley Outerbridge, Freda Siggins and Gina Spence-Farmer.

The Queen presents honours twice a year - once for the new year and again in June around her official birthday.

All of the most recent recipients who spoke to The Royal Gazette were both flattered and surprised by their appointments.

"There are quite a few people have been doing a lot for a quite a long time," said Mrs. Hayward-Harris.