Dozens of people from West Midlands named in King's Birthday Honours
Over 60 people from the West Midlands, including Strictly dancer Amy Dowden, have been named in the list.
More than 60 people from across the West Midlands have been named in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
They are announced twice a year to mark the King’s official birthday in June, and at the end of December - the New Year Honours.
The awards recognise the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life.
Among the recipients are Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden from Sandwell, who has been awarded an OBE for services to fundraising and raising awareness of Crohn's and Colitis.
Rebecca Redfern from Droitwich received an MBE for her services to young people and to the community in Worcestershire.
She was diagnosed aged 7 with Retinitis Pigmentosa, and then at the age of 14, she was discovered as a para swimmer by British Swimming. She has since won medals at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics as a GB paralympic swimmer.
George Atkinson and Giulietta Galli-Atkinson have been awarded a BEM each for their services to road safety. In 1999, they set up The Livia Awards in memory of their daughter Livia, who was tragically killed on a pavement while on her way home from ballet, in 1998.
They have since campaigned for legal reform regarding sentencing for those who kill and maim while driving.
Christian Dixon has been awarded a BEM for services to mental health in Dudley and the Black Country.
He took his love of working as a professional actor, and passion for helping others, and combined them together to train as a dramatherapist. He has since worked with the national mental health charity MIND and the National Probation Service, leading a number of training programmes.
The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, said; “This year’s recipients showcase a range of outstanding achievements and provide an insight into the amazing people that make our region so great.
“We are all immensely grateful for what they do each and every day and I am absolutely delighted to see so many gain the recognition they deserve in the King’s Birthday Honours.
“Now more than ever, there are so many unsung heroes who deserve to be honoured but they need someone to nominate them. I would encourage people from across the region to get involved and think about who is making a difference in your local area so that we can continue to recognise these individuals for the great work they are doing.”
Some of the famous names on the King's birthday honours list
Alan Bates has been knighted in recognition of his campaigning work highlighting the Post Office Horizon scandal.
Strictly's Amy Dowden has accepted being made an MBE for her services to Crohn's disease "on behalf" of all those who live with the inflammatory bowel disease.
Actress Imelda Staunton and fashion accessories designer Anya Hindmarch were made dames in the list
The highest award went to Gordon Brown who was made a Companion of Honour,
Artist Tracey Emin was made a Dame alongside Imelda Staunton. Dame Tracey, who is known for her autobiographical and confessional artwork, said: "Dame Tracey has a good ring to it. I'm very, very happy. Another brilliant surprise in my life."
Countdown's lexicographer Susie Dent was given an MBE, as was singer Rebecca Ferguson
Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon said being made an MBE was "incredible" and "totally unexpected".
He added: "These last few years have been some of the most important in Duran Duran's career, and this is a bright but humbling highlight as our journey continues."
Founding member of M People, as well as a successful solo artist, Heather Small has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours for her voluntary and charitable services.
Soap star Shobna Gulati has become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the cultural industries.
Cycling sprint star Mark Cavendish, 39, who is on the overseas list under his Isle of Man address, said he was "truly humbled" to be knighted.