EIGHT soldiers based in Essex and Suffolk have been recognised in the New Year's Honours List for their outstanding contribution to the ArmyLieutenant Colonel Michael Biegel, of the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester, is awarded an OBE.

EIGHT soldiers based in Essex and Suffolk have been recognised in the New Year's Honours List for their outstanding contribution to the Army

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Biegel, of the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester, is awarded an OBE.

He is as a senior education officer at the prison - known as the glasshouse - and is responsible for giving detainees, who are being discharged from the services, the best possible chance of gaining a trade or skills to take forward in civilian life.

Major Richard Brent, of 33 Engineer Regiment, Carver Barracks, Wimbish, near Saffron Waldon, is awarded the MBE. He is recognised for his work in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force.

Major Mark Spandler, of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, was recommended as a former staff officer at the headquarters of the 16 Air Assault Brigade in Colchester.

He is awarded the MBE for outstanding performance and contribution on three operational deployments, responsible for intelligence and security.

Staff Sergeant Mark Watts, of the Adjutant Generals' Corps (Military Provost Staff), formerly with the Military Corrective Training Centre, also receives an MBE.

He worked as the projects senior non-commissioned officer at the jail and is recognised for forging links between the Army and the people of Colchester.

Major Andrew Wright, of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Meeanee Barracks, Colchester, receives an MBE.

He was the principal staff officer at the Ministry of Defence for work and planning pertaining to Military Aid to the Civil Authorities.

Maj Wright is recognised for his performance and outstanding commitment in his role.

Captain Michael Morton, of the Royal Corps of Signals, was recommended when serving with the 216 Signal Squadron, Goojerat Barracks, Colchester. He receives the Commander-In-Chief's Commendation for Meritorious Service.

He was the operations officer with the squadron during 16 Air Assault Brigade's deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and is recognised for his outstanding contribution to the success of both operations by providing essential communications.

Staff Sergeant Andrew Fowler, of the 7 Air Assault Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, based at Wattisham Airfield, also receives the Commander-In-Chief's Commendation for Meritorious Service.

He is approaching the end of his Army career, which has stretched for almost 30 years and, since 1993, he has supported the regiment's families.

Staff Sergeant Stephen Anthony, of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, based at Wattisham Airfield, receives the Commander Joint Helicopter Command's Commendation for Meritorious Service.

He is recognised for his actions in prevent a serious air accident involving a private civilian aircraft.

S Sgt Anthony assisted a private Cessna light aircraft that declared an emergency while he was on duty in the air traffic control radar room at Wattisham Airfield, helping it to an emergency landing at Roman Barracks in Colchester.