It is a joy for me to say a huge congratulations to all the Staffordshire residents who have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours over the weekend.

It really is wonderful to see people from Staffordshire being recognised for their hard work and dedication, and to see such a wide range of areas being recognised. From a foster family who have fostered over 180 children, a scout leader, one of our librarians who’s helping shape national policy, a university principle to a football chairman.

We really are blessed to have among us many people quietly excelling in their area of expertise, whose contribution benefits us all and I am delighted to see their efforts honoured in this way. I hope people will join me in passing on our thanks and congratulations.
Residents receiving an honour include:
- CBE for Prof Liz Barnes, of Rugeley, Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University, for services to Higher Education;
- OBE for Dr Christopher Wakeling, of Stoke-on-Trent, Chairman of Historic England’s Places of Worship Forum, for services to Heritage;
- MBE for Sue Ball, of Coven, stock, services and activities manager at Staffordshire County Council for services to Libraries;
- MBE for Bill Foster, of Burton-upon-Trent, foster parent, for services to fostering in Staffordshire;
- MBE for Jean Foster, of Burton-upon-Trent, foster parent, for services to fostering in Staffordshire;
- MBE for Ben Robinson, of Burton-upon-Trent, Chairman of Burton Albion, for services to the community in Burton-upon-Trent,
- MBE for Mrs Jane Shepherd, of Stoke-on-Trent, Managing Director of Shepherd PR, for services to International Trade and the community in Staffordshire;
- BEM for Wilf Burt, of Stoke-on-Trent, Vice-President of Staffordshire County Scouts, for services to Scouting, Young People and the community in Stoke-on-Trent