The Queen has appointed the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Sarah Goad JP, a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO) in the New Year Honours List 2012.

The honour is given by the Queen to people who have served her or the Monarchy in a personal way.

Dame Sarah said: "It is an honour in itself to serve Her Majesty. I am grateful for all the help I get from others to carry out the role of Lord-Lieutenant – it is always a delight to highlight and support the work of so many wonderful people and organisations in Surrey."

By appointing Mrs Goad a DCVO, the Queen has recognised her 14 years service as Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey. She was appointed as the county's Lord-Lieutenant in 1997, the first woman to hold this post in the county.

The Lord-Lieutenant assists the Royal Household in any matters it requires in relation to Surrey. Equally, she is the chief link between the Queen and her subjects in the county.

The Lord-Lieutenant also gives recognition and support to the armed forces, voluntary service, faith groups and charitable organisations. This is consistent with the interest she takes in the commercial and societal life of Surrey.

In the recently launched Surrey Lieutenancy website www.surreylieutenancy.org Mrs Goad seeks to inform and update the public on the role of Surrey's Lord-Lieutenant. It sets out the way in which it can act as a conduit to the Royal Family, the honours system, Queen's awards and congratulatory messages.