More than half a dozen Brighton and Hove people have been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
They include police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne, Brighton and Hove Buses manager Victoria Garcia, former hospital boss Mike Viggers and Brighton and Hove’s head of libraries Sally McMahon.
They are joined by an innovator in radio technology, Rashid Mustapha, pianist Joanna MacGregor, Sightsavers director Dominic Haslam and former Brighton and Hove Albion footballer Chris Ramsey.
Victoria Garcia has been made an MBE – a Member of the Order of the British Empire – for making it easier for disabled people to get around by bus.
Her boss at Brighton and Hove Buses – managing director Martin Harris – said that she was inspirational and influential as, increasingly, the entire bus industry takes up her ideas.
Ms Garcia thanked all those who had helped her and said: “To receive this personal honour for working with these amazing people is overwhelming and humbling.
“My only regret is that my mother wasn’t here for this as she had such respect for the Queen. It would have made her very proud.”
Katy Bourne has been made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for public and political service.
Mrs Bourne, 54, was also described as inspiring, by Brighton anti-stalking campaigner Claudia Ortiz, who said that her leadership was saving lives.
The police and crime commissioner has spoken out about her personal experience of stalking and harassment and has called on police forces to improve their support for victims.
The Conservative politician, who was educated in Brighton, said that her award was a “testament to the hard work of the team in my office who support me”.
Mrs Bourne added: “I would like to thank them and also every single police officer, PCSO and police staff member in Sussex for working so tirelessly to keep us all safe.”
Sally McMahon has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to libraries. She is the head of libraries and information services for Brighton and Hove City Council.
She praised the work of her fellow library staff and said: “I am thrilled to have been awarded the British Empire Medal for my contribution to libraries.
“My love of libraries started when I was at school and throughout my career I have been passionate about them.
“I have always sought to deliver the best service possible and promote the positive impact of libraries on local people.”
Amazing, both Sally McMahon and Victoria Garcia are amazing women and I am so pleased they have been recognised and honoured.