Several key local government figures have been placed alongside the likes of Sir Rod Stewart and Alan Shearer CBE on the Queen's 90th birthday honours list for their services to the sector.
Oldham MBC chief executive Carolyn Wilkins has been awarded an OBE for her public service reform work in Greater Manchester.
Dr Wilkins, who is a member of The MJ's editorial board, said she was ‘thrilled and humbled' to receive the award but admitted she initially thought somebody was pulling her leg.
She said: ‘This isn't just a reflection on me - it's about all the amazing people I've had the privilege to work alongside.
‘I believe you can learn something from every single person you meet or work with so this - first and foremost - is an award for all those fantastic people.'
Nottinghamshire CC's deputy chief executive and corporate director for adult social care and health, David Pearson, has been awarded a CBE.
Earlier this year Mr Pearson was named as the leader of the Nottinghamshire sustainability and transformation plan and was president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services in 2014/15.
He said: ‘Adult social care makes a huge difference to many thousands of people in our county every day, and I am proud to have been involved in improving and shaping local services.
‘This honour is also tribute to the many fantastic colleagues, councillors, partners and service users I have worked with over the years.'
Inverclyde Council chief executive John Mundell, who will be stepping down later this year, has received an OBE.
Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest, has been awarded an OBE for services to local Goverment. Cllr Bettison, who has ledx the council for 20 years, said: ‘It's fantastic that Bracknell has been acknowledged as part of the Queens Birthday Honours list and it really is testament to the hard work of everyone in the authority.'
Former Portsmouth City Council leader and Local Government Association vice-chair Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson and Derbyshire CC leader Cllr Anne Western received CBEs.
Cllr Western said: ‘It's a privilege to serve the people of Derbyshire, doing the work I love for the place I love.
‘It is a recognition of the important role Derbyshire plays on the national stage and a great credit to everybody at the council working hard to continue delivering quality services during difficult times.'
Colin Diamond, executive director of education at Birmingham City Council was awarded a CBE, Cllr Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire CC, was granted an OBE and former Bristol City Council leader Simon Cook was awarded a MBE.
