A MOTHER who has used her experience of raising a child with special needs to help others around the world has been rewarded with a birthday honour from the Queen.

Beverley Dean, 51, from Shincliffe, Durham, has been awarded the MBE, for services to exports in educational technology for people with learning disabilities.

Mrs Dean, whose 12-year-old son, William, has Down’s Syndrome, founded Special iApps, a non-profit social enterprise, in 2011 with her husband, Colin, because she recognised the potential of devices like the iPad for helping children with learning disabilities.

Mrs Dean said: “It is just phenomenal, the fact that someone has nominated me for an award, and it recognises everyone I have worked with and all of the help we have had over the years and what we are trying to do. I am really proud. It is a bit overwhelming, but it is fantastic.”

From the beginning, Special iApps has had a global reach, and Mrs Dean ensured that the applications were translated and made available in eight languages.

Her company now exports the apps to more than fifty countries and generates over £20,000 of export sales a year.

Director of Solar BIPV Ray Noble, 69, from Consett, has also been awarded an MBE, for services to renewable energy.

He is a specialist solar photovoltaics advisor to the Renewable Energy Association and Solar Trade Association, and sits on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Steering Group.

He recently masterminded the rescue of Romag, a UK solar manufacturer.

Social worker Douglas Shearer, 63, from Chester-le-Street, who has been working in fostering and adoption for over 40 years has been awarded an MBE for services to social work.

Mr Shearer worked initially at Durham County Council and moved to Team Fostering, a not-for-profit fostering agency in 2001.

He has supported more than 160 children and young people into long term and permanent foster families and worked directly with numerous specialist foster carers.

Jan Thirlaway, from Peterlee, transformation and planning lead for the Department for Work and Pensions, has been awarded the CBE, for services to pensions operations.

Telephony advisor Hugh William Crawford, from Peterlee, has been given the BEM for services to the community in County Durham through Martial Arts.

Paediatric nurse Susan Lewis, who specialises in caring for children with epilepsy, has received the British Empire Medal for services to nursing.

The 55-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, has worked with and cared for children and young people since 1986.

Alongside her nursing job she cared for a young child with severe epilepsy for a few hours per week allowing his family some respite time.

Her passion to gain more information about the condition grew and led to her completing an Epilepsy Diploma to enhance her knowledge.

She was the first nurse in the trust to hold this specialist post for Paediatric Epilepsy and was instrumental in setting up the service in County Durham.

Mrs Lewis also helped to set up a charity, Small Steps Seize the Day, which raises money for families to assist with days out.

She said: “I am bit shell shocked and astounded. I am quite a humble person. I don’t shout about anything, so I find it all a bit overwhelming, but I am delighted.”

Elsie May Davies, 79, from Consett, received the BEM for services to disadvantaged people in County Durham

In 1969, she helped set up a pre-school, acquiring and borrowing furniture and toys to run the centre while continually fundraising.

She has also been involved with the Earl's House Hospital, which is a residential estate for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Mrs Davies was a volunteer and trustee at Derwentside Domestic Abuse Service and is passionate about helping adults and children affected by domestic abuse.

District nursing sister Mary Richardson, 69, from Sacriston, has received the BEM for services to patient care.

She has worked for the NHS for 51 years with a career caring for patients in hospital and community settings.

The citation for her award reads: “She is a selfless, practical nurse who provides hands-on patient focused care and is willing to go the extra mile to provide the best outcome for those isolated patients in the community.”