Joe Clarke rounded off an exceptional year with an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.
Joining Joe is Stone resident David Emley who has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to higher education and natural history.
A knighthood has been awarded to equestrian Lee Pearson CBE, who carried the Union flag for Great Britain at the Paralympic opening ceremony, his fifth games, before adding gold and silver to his previous tally of 12 medals. Also recognised was swimmer Adam Peaty, who received an MBE for smashing world records on his way to collecting individual gold and relay silver.
Philip Atkins OBE, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“All Staffordshire took great delight in seeing our athletes light up the world with their performances in the summer and it’s fitting their years of training and dedication should be recognised by Her Majesty.
“It’s also good to see that those who dedicate themselves in other ways, for example by helping their communities over many years, should also share the limelight at a time like this and be celebrated for their selfless efforts.”
Mr Ian Dudson, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said:
“I am delighted that alongside our Olympian heroes there are also a group of people who have selflessly contributed to helping to improve our communities in so many different ways.
“We congratulate all those from Staffordshire who have been honoured today by Her Majesty and we thank them all most sincerely for all their efforts.”
Other Staffordshire residents who have received an honour include an OBE for Colin Bryan, of Tamworth, the CEO of Drayton Manor, for services to charity and the community; an OBE for David Gould, of Tamworth, for services to education; a BEM for Peter John Cave, of Newcastle, for his work with victims of, and witnesses to, crime;a BEM to Margaret Heath, of Newcastle, for services to the community; and a BEM to Agnes Tiso, of Tamworth, for services to the community.
