Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

Congratulations to all the Buckinghamshire residents who received recognition for their work in this New Year’s Honours List.

National figures often stand out on the list, but people who serve their local communities are also honoured for their contribution that they make.

Anyone can make a nomination and the Cabinet Office in London, which considers these, emphasises that it is important for nominations to come from all walks of life.

If you know of someone who has made a real difference, either as a volunteer or in their place of work, do consider making a nomination.

There are full details available by going to www.gov.uk/honours. The online form gives a lot of guidance about the information which is needed to support the nomination and the way to present it.

The form also describes what to consider about the nominee, who should have given exemplary service, whose achievements are practical and who have brought new ideas to their work.

Volunteers should have given ‘the best sustained and selfless voluntary service’, and should have brought distinction to UK life.

It is best to allow 12 to 18 months for the Honours and Appointments Secretariat and the nominee should still be actively engaged in his or her specific work.

Thus, if someone is coming up to retirement, if possible the form should be submitted at least 12 months before the individual retires, to allow all the information to be assessed. There is no formal deadline for submissions.

All nominations are made in confidence. It is best not to let the person know about the nomination.

Honours are given to individuals, but if you know of a voluntary group which deserves recognition, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is an award given to local groups.

The deadline for nominations for 2017 is midnight on September 15. Visit www.gov.uk/queens-award-for-voluntary-service for details.