WE do not always approve of the names chosen for honours lists.

Too often they are transparent rewards for those who have licked establishment boots.

But few honours have given us greater pleasure than the OBE granted to 79-year-old Mary Butterwick in today's New Year's Honours.

The Butterwick name has become synonymous with caring through the creation of hospices in Stockton and Bishop Auckland.

Countless people contribute towards the development and upkeep of hospices, and all donations, no matter how small, are appreciated.

But how many of us would go to the lengths of selling the family home to raise enough money to lay the foundations of a charity which has gone on to ease the suffering of so many?

That is exactly what Mary Butterwick did nearly 20 years ago after she watched her husband John die from cancer. She gave selflessly so that strangers would find comfort and has continued to give her love and energy by working in the hospices every day.

Over the years, The Northern Echo has been proud to be associated with the Butterwick movement. Following the death of the Princess of Wales five years ago, we launched a fund-raising campaign which helped to raise the £500,000 needed to set up the North-East's first hospice for children. It also bears the Butterwick name and is a truly humbling and inspirational place to visit.

It is typical of Mary's humility and selflessness that she insists that the award is not for her but for her family, the local community, the workers and the volunteers who have helped make her dream become a reality.

But it is Mary's day today. It is Mary who tops our New Year's Honours list. It is Mary's name which therefore commands our front page headline. With the utmost respect to all those who have done so much to earn their honours, it is Mary we applaud the loudest.

And if you wish to join us in that applause, please do so with a donation to the Butterwick Hospice movement and remember how much she has given.