A LEADING light in the arts in Basildon has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the King's New Year's Honours List.

Moira Brock has been honoured for services to young people in the town where she founded La Danse Fantastique' in 1990.

It is a school for the arts, mixing children with special needs and able bodies, through music, dance and a variety of shows, they all get to express themselves. Along with her talented team of teachers, Moira has taught ballet, modern, tap, musical theatre, drama, singing and commercial street to children and toddlers of all ages and abilities.

In January 2022 Moira was also honoured at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of her extraordinary endeavours. The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities throughout the country.

Also receiving a BEM is Mike Ballinger, 77, for services to the community in Wickford and District where he is treasurer and studio manager for Wickford and District Talking Newspaper for the Blind.

Marc Grayston

Marc Grayston, 38, of Basildon, who runs Maru Karate Kai, a non-profit organisation that provides martial arts classes to disadvantaged children receives a BEM for services to disadvantaged young people and to the community in Basildon

Laindon resident, Richard Gregory, 54, who has worked for more than 40 years to improve the lives of disadvantaged adults and young people with special education needs or disabilities also receives a BEM for services to the community in Basildon