A man who has been made an MBE for vital advice to people struggling with finances had no idea he had even been nominated.

Graeme Connell founded the West Kent Debt Advice and his work has been acknowledged in the New Year honours list.

Mr Connell said: "The award came as a complete surprise, I had no idea I was nominated. I am absolutely thrilled that the invaluable work of everyone has been recognised in this way."

"Whilst the award might be in my name, it truly is a team effort."

The charity gives free advice to those who are struggling with money.

It was started by Mr Connell and a few other volunteers in 2003, as the debt explosion put existing agencies under strain.

He gave his time freely to help those in need while also holding down a career in risk management.

Mr Connell explained that although there was a great need 15 years ago, in-depth support is needed now more than ever.

"There have always been folk who've had problems but now it is quite simply an enormous problem with people losing their jobs and also being accustomed to certain lifestyles."

When asked what the worst case of debt he has seen, Mr Connell replied: "It depends really what you define as 'worst' because people who can't pay the rent and lose their home is the worst it can really get. But if your talking in terms of figures, we've had people who are in half a million pounds debt."

Prior to setting up the service, which has now teamed up with charity Crosslight Advice, Mr Connell was a trustee of Credit Action and volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau and so had a wealth of experience.

Now 80 years old, he has taken a back seat but is still involved in the running of the service.

Mr Connell's advice to those who have heavily overspent at Christmas is to get help as soon as possible. "The sooner you start, the sooner it will be solved. People don't realise- there is help available."

Cornelius Michael O'Connor of Maidstone, deputy director of the National Army Museum, is also on the New Year honours list. He will be made an OBE for his services to military heritage.