Going for a gong... Second World War hero, 103, and 18-year-old charity champ honoured

A SECOND World War veteran who is 103 and a charity founder aged just 18 are the oldest and youngest recipients of today's New Year's Honours.

- Robert Kellaway

Colin Bell, a former RAF Mosquito pilot who survived 50 raids over Germany and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, receives a British Empire Medal, while Mikayla Beames gets the same gong for organising dream days out for other children with cancer.

They are among hundreds of heroes being recognised for their work, which in many cases has transformed lives.

Colin, an ex-RAF fighter bomber and Flight Lieutenant with 608 Squadron, is recognised for his charity work and public speaking that keeps the memory of his comrades alive.

This year he joined the actor Ross Kemp to sell poppies at London's Charing Cross station and also gave a stern warning on defence spending during one of his speeches.