Crimefighting milkman Tony Fowler has tackled thieves, helped police snare drug dealers and assisted elderly customers on his rounds.

After 23 years going above and beyond the call of duty, he has now been awarded an MBE.

He is one of 14 people in Leicestershire and Rutland recognised in the New Year's Honours.

During his rounds, the 50-year-old, from Grimston, near Melton, has reported numerous crimes to police, even using his float to block a getaway.

The married dad-of-one said: "Milkman are the eyes and ears of the community in the mornings.

"There are other milkmen and women out there who save lives and do more than I do but do not get the recognition they deserve.

"These things are usually for celebrities, sportsmen and high-fliers so it is a great honour and a privilege."

Also on the list is Professor Robert Burgess, vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester, who gets a knighthood for services to education.

A University of Leicester spokesman said: "This is a fantastic honour and a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to the cause of higher education."

Jenny Foxon, a senior technician at the university, was the first person to have her DNA taken for Sir Alec Jeffrey's pioneering study in the 1980s.

The 60-year-old, from West Knighton, Leicester, is made an MBE for her 40 years of work in the department of genetics.

She said: "I was flabbergasted. It is lovely to be recognised."

Maureen Raine, an office manager at the university's English language unit, has also been made an MBE for services to higher education.

Former De Montfort University pro vice-chancellor Professor David Chiddick, from Bushby, receives a CBE for 30 years' work in higher education.

He spent 21 years at the university starting out as a professor of land economy in 1979.

The father-of-three said: "I am delighted and my family is very proud."

Gwen Abraham, 74, was made an MBE for 40 years of community volunteering and helping disadvantaged children in Braunstone.

She is one of 12 directors of Braunstone Community Association, a member of Scope and was a governor of Long Close School for students with learning difficulties, which eventually became Ellesmere College.

She praised the support of husband Fred, 84.

She said: "I was stunned when I heard about the honour but this is not all down to me – it has been a team effort."

Ramanbhai Barber was made an MBE for services to Leicester's Asian community.

The 64-year-old, from Glebelands, near Thurcaston, is president and founder member of Shree Sanatan Mandir Hindu Temple and Community Centre in Belgrave.

His 30 years of community work include helping found the Indian Education Society, which promotes Asian languages, and he is involved in the Gujarat Hindu Association.

The father-of-four said: "I feel great about this honour.

"I have been doing voluntary work in Leicester for many years and I want to thank whoever nominated me."

Former High Sheriff of Rutland Mary Lloyd was made an MBE for charitable and community work – including setting up the Rutland branch of the Hope Foundation, which funds cancer research, and being a trustee of Voluntary Action Rutland. The 75-year-old, from Uppingham, said: "Since the letter arrived, I've had to keep it a secret from my family.

"But now I can say I'm very honoured and thrilled by it. It was completely unexpected."

Alice Sluckin, who started Leicester's Selective Mutism Information and Research Association charity, got an OBE for supporting children and families.

Sylvia Herbert, chaplain at Leicester Prison, was made an MBE. She has presided over weddings, christenings and vigils there.

Gartree Prison officer Robert Gibson was made an MBE and Leicestershire County Council chief executive John Sinnott got a CBE.

Glenys Johnston, chairwoman of the Local Safeguarding Children Board for Leicestershire and Rutland, got an OBE for services to local government and Keith Savage, 70, was made an MBE for services to the Air Training Corps in Rutland.