Years of tireless fundraising by the founder of a Teesside hospice have been recognised in the New Year Honours.

Mary Butterwick, who founded the Butterwick Hospice in 1984 when her husband John developed a brain tumour, is awarded an OBE.

MBEs have been awarded to Helen Hesler, who chairs the Easington District Association for the Disabled in East Durham, and to Stockton councillor Winifred Hodgson for her work in urban regeneration.

Darlington-based education administrator Dorothy Stevens receives the MBE, along with David Waters, who is distribution director with Northern Electric in Durham City.

Little support

Mrs Butterwick, from Stockton, said she was "extremely proud" to have been given the honour.

She said: "I am pleased not just for myself, but for everyone else who works with me at the hospice."

Mrs Butterwick sold her Stockton home to fund a day centre when she found little support for the families of cancer sufferers in the area.

Her husband died in 1989.

A purpose-built hospice, close to North Tees Hospital, now caters for adults and children.

Mrs Butterwick added: "There will probably be a few people who will say the award is not before time, but having said that, you just have to get on with it.

"I'm very proud of all the people who have worked at the hospice over the years."