An officer from Burnham-on-Crouch is set to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her dedication to marine policing and conservation.

Dawn Wood has been named in the Queen's New Year Honours list for her services to marine policing and conservation, it was announced today (Friday, 31 December).

Dawn started in the Essex Police Marine Unit around 20 years ago, and has since become a yachtmaster instructor to share her maritime talents with students.

Alongside covering 400 miles of the Essex coastline for the marine unit - including the River Crouch and River Blackwater - Dawn works tirelessly to raise money for marine conservation.

She told Nub News of her shock and delight after learning she had been recognised by the Queen.

"Only about three weeks ago I got a letter in the post from the Cabinet Office," she said.

"I thought: 'Oh, it's going to be pensions or something' but when I opened it I couldn't believe it - I had to read it three or four times."

Dawn has received numerous awards for her conservation efforts, including a fundraiser of the year award from the Marine Conservation Society after undertaking a gruelling row across the Atlantic in 2019.

She completed the epic one-woman sail from Gran Canaria to Barbados in just 53 days and raised over £20,000 for the organisation, which works for a cleaner, better-protected and healthier ocean.

And in the two years since, Dawn has continued her efforts, rowing the Atlantic at the beginning of 2021 in a 12-man boat to raise further funds.

She remains focussed on saving marine life.

"I've got some more rowing planned and my work with the marine police is going to continue as well," she said.

"I'm really proud - to actually get nominated and get through the entire process is pretty amazing."

The Queen's New Year Honours list has recognised 1,122 people in total this year for their "exceptional service" to the UK overseas or internationally.

Sir Philip Barton, permanent under-secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, said: "I congratulate everyone receiving an honour and thank them for their hard work and years of service.

"The UK's impact around the world depends on exceptional people like those recognised in this year's Queen's New Year Honours. We are grateful for their outstanding contribution."

Dawn will receive her OBE for services to marine policing and conservation at an official ceremony later in 2022.

Other winners in the Maldon district are Ralph Springett and Linda Dutaut for their work during the pandemic, who you can read about here.