The Queen has paid tribute to those who inspire the nation by saving lives, winning sporting medals or impressing through quiet dedication, in her annual Christmas message.
Looking back on a year that has seen momentous change with the Brexit vote and national celebrations for her 90th birthday, the Queen highlighted the efforts of these remarkable individuals.
In her televised message the Queen said "on our own" we could not solve global problems but the collective effect of many could have a positive impact.
She said: "But even with the inspiration of others, it's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help.
"On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine."
In her message the Queen singled out for special praise ordinary people like volunteers and carers doing "extraordinary things".
She described how Mother Teresa, declared a saint this year by Pope Francis, summed up the contributions of these unsung heroes with the words: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
There was no mention in the Christmas message of Brexit, which saw David Cameron resign as prime minister in the wake of the UK voting to leave the European Union.
But the Queen highlighted one of the major sporting events of the year, the Rio Games, and spoke about the impact the UK's medal-winning Olympians and Paralympians, and Commonwealth athletes, were having on the next generation of sportsmen and women.
The Queen made reference to her 90th birthday celebrations only to praise the hundreds of charities and organisations which have her as their patron.
The head of state, who recorded her Christmas message in Buckingham Palace's regency room earlier this month, said: "Many of these organisations are modest in size but inspire me with the work they do.
"From giving friendship and support to our veterans, the elderly or the bereaved; to championing music and dance; providing animal welfare; or protecting our fields and forests, their selfless devotion and generosity of spirit is an example to us all."
The Queen also highlighted the work of organisations associated with members of her family, like the medical staff and crew members from East Anglian Air Ambulance with whom her grandson William flies helicopters.
In her message she said: "A few months ago, I saw inspiration of a different kind when I opened the new Cambridge base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where Prince William works as a helicopter pilot.
"It was not hard to be moved by the dedication of the highly-skilled doctors, paramedics and crew, who are called out on average five times a day."
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and The Prince's Trust celebrated significant milestones this year, with Philip's organisation now 60 years old and the Trust, founded by his son the Prince of Wales, marking its 40th birthday in 2016.
Dressed in a deep jade, silk cloque dress, by Angela Kelly, and wearing a pearl and diamond brooch, the Queen said: "These started as small initiatives but have grown beyond any expectations, and continue to transform young people's lives."
The Christmas address, written by the Queen, ended on a religious note, as she said: "The message of Christmas reminds us that inspiration is a gift to be given as well as received, and that love begins small but always grows."
