Selfless individuals have been honoured for their services to the community by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour has been awarded in this year's New Year's Honours List to: Shurnett Caines, Laura Gorham, Constance 'Pinky' Mello, Helene Paynter, Agnes Waddicor, Sharon Wilson, Fred 'Pinks' Lewis and Eddie Ming.

Mrs. Caines will receive her award for services to the community. A founding member of the West Indian Association and the Jamaican Association, she is honoured for preserving West Indian heritage in Bermuda. Among her achievements is a display on the influence of West Indian culture, at Commissioner's House in Dockyard.

Laura Gorham is also praised for services to the community. For 17 years as director of the Bermuda National Gallery she has dedicated her time to expanding its collection with artwork from around the world.

A Government spokeswoman said: "Her commitment and dedication has resulted in both elevating and sustaining the arts in Bermuda.

"During her tenure, she has made the Gallery and the appreciation of its works more comprehensible thanks to the implementation of the BNG Arts Education Programme. And her passion and enthusiasm for ensuring inclusiveness and diversity at the BNG helped to break down barriers in Bermuda's arts community."

Constance 'Pinky' Mello will receive her award for services to religion. As a Licensed Evangelist within the AME Church for almost 40 years, Mrs. Mello has led community life at St. Luke's AME Church and within the St. David's community.

She has also served as president of the Emily Kinch Women's Missionary Society and is a member of the Smiling Glee Club.

A Government spokeswoman said: "Mrs. Mello is also a great storyteller. Her stories are of the simple and free life within the community of St. David's that she so dearly loves."

Also receiving the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour for services to religion is Helene Paynter.

Mrs. Paynter has been a member of St. Luke's AME Church since a teenager, and has travelled both locally and overseas as a delegate.

The spokeswoman said: "She is an inspiration to her church family, her former students, her family and friends. It has been said of her, that St. David's is blessed to have such a wonderful lady who has in many ways reached out and given back to her community and Bermuda through her leadership, her commitment and steadfastness in the Word."

Agnes Waddicor has been named in the Queen's New Year's Honour List for services to Girl Guides. Mrs. Waddicor has given more than 40 years' service to the guiding movement in Bermuda, as both a driving force and mentor. She was also Skipper of the Deliverance Sea Rangers and the RSU Deliverance.

Sharon Wilson will receive her award for services to the arts. Ms Wilson has been painting for more than 30 years and has taught art at public schools across the Island and in an adult education programme at Bermuda College.

The Government spokeswoman said: "Sharon Wilson's vivid and inspiring images have developed into Bermudian icons, symbolising the beauty of the human spirit.

"It has often been said of Ms Wilson that she is both a stellar artist and a notable teacher. Through her work and teaching Sharon Wilson inspires the community to find their niche of artistic expression."

Fred 'Pinks' Lewis will be honoured for services to sport. As a player, coach and administrator, he has devoted much of his life to the improvement of football on the Island.

Mr. Lewis was picked for the national team at 14 and represented Bermuda throughout the Caribbean, North and South America and Europe. He also played for the Philadelphia Atoms of the North American Soccer League, where he competed against some of the legends of the game such as Pele.

Mr. Lewis has served on the Bermuda Football Association's executive committee for more than 20 years. He has been manager and is now president of the Young Men's Social Club, and has dedicated his time towards establishing scholarships for players.

In 2007, Mr. Lewis also organised a legends game which raised $21,000 to support players who had fallen ill and who were in need of financial assistance.

Eddie Ming, the driving force behind jazz band The Unit, will receive the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour for services to music.

Mr. Ming is described as "an inspiring drummer, whose passion for music is manifested in his commitment to students and in his employment of diversified techniques and sounds".

A Government spokeswoman said: "Mr. Ming has done much to enhance music in Bermuda and continues to encourage young people to develop their talents."