Lancashire figures honoured by Queen

A number of Lancashire entrepreneurs, business leaders and community figures have been recognised by the Queen in her birthday honours list.

The CBE has been granted to both Mohsin and Zuber Issa, the Blackburn brothers who founded the international Euro Garages empire and recently acquired a majority stake in supermarket Asda. The award also recognises their services to charity.

Amanda Melton, principal and chief executive of Nelson and Colne College Group since 2012, has been awarded a CBE for services to Further Education. The college is among the leading colleges nationally across a range of academic performance measures, delivering A Levels, technical and vocational training up to degree level, and Apprenticeships. Since Amanda’s arrival, the college has expanded to include Lancashire Adult Learning, delivering adult skills education across the Lancashire.

Johnny Flynn, who has hosted a virtual pub quiz throughout the pandemic, has received an MBE. His quizzes, which drew audiences of more than 180,000, were free to play but suggested donating to his fundraiser which collected more than £750,000 for homeless charities.

Ann Dean of Bentimo has earned an MBE for services to business and the community.

Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, has earned an OBE for services to local government. Bernard Dawson of Hyndburn District Council and Mohammed Iqbal of Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Council earned MBEs. Chorley-born Steven Broomhead also earned an MBE for services to public libraries. 

Stephen Daley of Preston, captain of the England Partially-Sighted Football Team, has earned an MBE for services to Para Football. Preston-based Kay Johnson, also of Preston and who founded both Sustainable Food Lancashire and Lancashire And Region Dietary Education Resource as well as an Emergency Food Provision for the city during the coronavirus pandemic, received an MBE.

Christopher Conway of Network Rail has been granted an MBE at just 27 years of age after he co-founded a local homeless outreach group in his hometown of Blackpool in 2018.

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