26 people from across the West Midlands have been named in The King’s New Year Honours List and include 1 Knighthood, 2 CBE’s, 5 OBEs, 14 MBEs and 4 British Empire Medals.

Each year the extraordinary achievements of people of all ages and walks of life are recognised for the difference they make in the lives of those around them, and this year’s list is as wide-ranging as ever.

It includes awards for fields including education, nursing, sport, young people, refugee resettlement, faith and community cohesion. Recipients come from all across the West Midlands, including nine from Birmingham, two from Dudley, three in Sandwell and one in Wolverhampton.

The list includes the former Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street who gains a Knighthood for Public Service. Mr Street, who was appointed a CBE in 2015, served as managing director of John Lewis from 2007 to 2016 before running for the newly created role of Mayor of the West Midlands, a post he held from 2017 to 2024.

Other recipients include Paralympian swimmer, Tully Kearney is awarded an OBE; Professor Vladlena Benson from Aston Business School gets an MBE for his pioneering research into cyber security and Joan Lockley, Founder and Co-ordinator of West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue, is awarded a British Empire Medal.

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE said; “Right across the West Midlands there are some amazing people who work hard to deliver a better, brighter and kinder place. These people are often known within their neighbourhoods but fail to gain the wider credit they deserve.

“This year’s recipients showcase a range of outstanding achievements and provide an insight into the region and the people that make it so great. We are all very grateful for what they do every day, and I am absolutely delighted to see so many gain the recognition they deserve in the New Year Honours.

“Through the activities of the West Midlands Lieutenancy, I come across many people providing support and giving their time to help others. 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 so that we can continue to recognise these individuals for the great work they are doing.”

The individual honours are announced twice a year to mark The King’s official birthday in June and the New Year Honours announced at the end of December.

Nomination details can be found on the West Midlands Lieutenancy website at wmlieutenancy.org.