For many, the name Mongolia remains analogous with notions of remoteness and isolation. But for a former drama lecturer from Yorkshire, the country has not only become home but an extraordinary opportunity for service which has now won him due reward. David Lambert from Huddersfield received an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours List for his voluntary work in the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator.

Lambert, 61, was honoured for his services to the development of English language studies in Mongolia. He and his wife Lois - both long-time members of the Bahá'í faith - arrived in Mongolia in 1992, just three years after students and intellectuals had staged the country's first demonstrations to challenge the hard-line single party system. Once there, Lambert became responsible for developing the first English language library in the country at Ulan Bator's University of Humanities, inspiring British publishers to donate large quantities of books to the project. As Director of Studies at the 'English for Special Purposes Foundation', founded by UNDP and now run by a Mongolian NGO, Lambert devised an in-service course which trains teachers of English to use modern participatory educational methods in their work. The Mongolian government has adopted the course for use nationwide. Lambert is now recognized as one of the top English teachers in the country and has taught the language to many leading politicians. He is also currently the longest serving volunteer for VSO - Voluntary Service Overseas.

"I am overwhelmed by this honour," says Lambert, "but in truth it's a recognition of the extraordinary work that VSO does all over the world." The Lamberts plan to spend at least two more years in Mongolia where they have also been assisting the country's young but dynamic Bahá'í community in its projects.

Another Bahá'í, Bruce Saunders - an Australian who has lived in the Solomon Islands since 1968 - received an OBE in the New Year Honours List for services to business and the community.

RW