THE parents of murdered teenager Jimmy Mizen are amongst those recognised by the Queen in the New Year Honours List.

Barry and Margaret Mizen, whose 16-year-old son Jimmy was murdered in the Three Cooks bakery in Burnt Ash Hill, Lee, in May 2008, receive MBEs for services to young people.

The couple set up the Jimmy Mizen Foundation to help young people play a positive role in their communities.

Mr Mizen said the award was not just a reward for him and his wife but for the whole family, who are all involved in some way in the foundation.

"We weren't expecting anything at all like this. We're really chuffed," he said.

"To us, it's about the hundreds and hundreds of people that support us, it's about all the work the rest of our family do, and it's in memory of a fine and decent young lad whose legacy will be one of peace and community cohesion."

In total, 1,195 people have received an award, 74 per cent of them for outstanding work in their communities.

There are 610 women in the list – 51 per cent of the total.

Previously the highest proportion of women on any honours lists was 47 per cent.