Royal Hall fund-raiser made MBE

Mrs Mina helped raise £2.7m for the restoration work

A woman who spearheaded the campaign to restore Harrogate's historic Royal Hall theatre has been recognised in the New Year Honours.

Lilian Mina, who helped raise £2.7m in her role as chairman of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, was appointed MBE.

She told the BBC she was "very surprised and delighted", and dedicated the honour to members of the public who donated money to the trust.

The restored Royal Hall is due to open in April next year.

Actor honoured

Mrs Mina, who has lived in Harrogate for 25 years, said: "I don't know why they chose me but I feel very privileged."

Also included in the honours was Richard Griffiths, one of Britain's most celebrated character actors of stage and screen, who became an OBE for services to drama.

Mr Griffiths, now 60, was born in Thornaby-on-Tees, North Yorkshire. His most famous film role remains Uncle Monty in the cult favourite Withnail & I.

Professor James Walvin, who teaches history at the University of York, was appointed OBE for services to scholarship.

Leslie Adams, from York, became an MBE for services to flood rescue.

And foster carers Anthony and Wendy Whitbourne, from York, were appointed MBE for services to children and families.