A local party member's voluntary service has been recognised in the 2017 New Year's Honours list. Maurice Brunton of Gainsborough has been awarded Membership of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his voluntary service through scouting.

Mr. Brunton has held a number of posts within the Scout Association, including as district treasurer. His legacies include improving the scouting structures in Gainsborough, increasing numbers of scouts and the opportunities available to them, drawing in and supporting young leaders in their roles and making sure that facilities used by scouts were fit for purpose.

As a district commissioner Mr. Brunton used his talents and skills to create and train new leaders to take on failing groups and to establish the new senior troop in the Gainsborough area.

He has strived to extend each young person's horizons, to enable them to fulfil their potential and to encourage active citizenship all within a framework of fun and friendship. He commented:

"I am very proud to have been given this honour. I have been scounting for a very long time and I am still the president of the Gainsborough district after 70 years of scounting. It has been my life and I am very honoured."

Mr. Brunton has been a member of the local Conservative Association for several decades.