Uppingham Town Councillor David Ainslie has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

The award recognises Coun Ainslie's services to the community.

He has lived in the town for more than 30 years and served as a town councillor since May 2011, having been Uppingham Mayor from 2014 to 2016.

Coun Ainslie was instrumental in ensuring the original Uppingham Neighbourhood Plan was accepted by residents at referendum and worked with Rutland County Council to defend it from legal challenge at the Supreme Court.

He has been actively involved with the Uppingham Hopper Bus and is a regular volunteer driver for the service.

Andrew Holt has also been awarded an MBE for services to young people and the community in Leicestershire and Rutland.