A community volunteer known only as “Moses” has become the first single-named person to be awarded an honour.

Moses, 49, a charity worker from Wembley, northwest London, is one of scores of ordinary people whose dedication to the public is celebrated by the Queen. Moses, who is appointed MBE for his role in Brent Community Transport, helps to run a minibus service for elderly and disabled people.

The Cabinet Office, which supervises the list, said that it was unheard of for an individual to be listed by a single name. Pop stars such as Bono, who was awarded an honorary knighthood this month, are referred to by their full names. Bono returned to Paul Hewson and Sting, appointed CBE in 2003, was listed as Gordon Sumner.

Moses confirmed yesterday that the listing was correct when contacted by The Times. Born Ron Scott, he changed his name by deed poll four years ago because he felt an affinity with the Old Testament patriarch, who dedicated his life to God but never reached the Promised Land.

“Moses didn’t get to the Promised Land because he didn’t complete his work for God,” he said. “I felt that I haven’t got to the promised land. I would like to get to Heaven, but I’d like to do as much as possible down here.”

He was surprised and humbled to have been nominated. “I feel unworthy. There are so many more people who are doing greater work than myself. I’m not wholly happy with the honours system, but I felt that rejecting it wouldn’t have been the appropriate thing to do.” He will not be wearing a lapel badge.

George Bell, 60, now MBE, is another honoured for service to the community — in his case, Gullane, East Lothian, for more than 30 years. The retired milkman meant to do the job for a few weeks, but was loyal to customers for 34 years.

John Gray, 80, who has brought a shine to more than 50,000 pairs of shoes as head shiner for Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow, was also appointed MBE. He joined the airline six years ago. Sir Richard Branson, the company’s founder, called him a “dedicated and popular member of the team”.

Julia Plaine, who has helped prostitutes for more than 20 years, is appointed MBE. She was inspired after Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, murdered Barbara Leach, who was a fellow student at Bradford University. Ms Leach was not a prostitute.

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