Bank of England boss Mervyn King is knighted

Bank of England boss Mervyn King was today leading the way in the Midland honours as he picked up a knighthood for his efforts to help stabilise the economy.

The Wolverhampton-educated banking boss was one of 23 of the region's great and good rewarded for their efforts today in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

From childcare workers to journalists and charity fundraisers, unsung heroes from the West Midlands and Staffordshire were among those recognised for their work.

Mr King's education at Wolverhampton Grammar School laid the groundwork for him to become a leading academic economist before he was recruited to the Bank of England 20 years ago.

Being in charge during one of the worst global recessions since the Second World War has made him one of the most powerful to hold the position. He has been awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, or GBE.

He said: "I am honoured to receive this award. It is a tribute to the hard work and professionalism of the Bank of England staff."

Vincent Darby, head of Wolverhampton Grammar School, said: "It is so pleasing to see former students of the school do well."

The region's unsung heroes today spoke of their delight at picking up honours.

Hilary Hastings, a 63-year-old childcare worker at the Sure Start centre in Birchills Street, Walsall, said it was a "massive surprise" being awarded the MBE after being put forward by her team.

The grandmother of five, from Wednesbury, said: "It's nice to think that what I have done has actually been a benefit to children."

Charity worker Amanda Poulson has also been handed the MBE in honour of her 23 years of dedication to the Walsall branch of the Samaritans.

The 46-year-old, of Cheslyn Hay, said: "I totally believe in what the charity stands for. "We don't get any government funding, and we have to fundraise everything."

Express & Star columnist Peter Atkins, from Stafford, former editor in chief and managing director of the Staffordshire Newsletter and Staffordshire Life magazine, has also been given the MBE. The 70-year-old has been awarded for services to journalism and the community of Staffordshire.

His community service includes helping to raise thousands of pounds for local charities, including a centre in Stafford's North End for handicapped and disabled people, while he was county chairman of the St John Ambulance council and is an Officer of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. He said: "It is a great honour."

Ray Allsop, chairman of Stafford's Broad Eye Windmill Company, was today receiving the MBE for his services to the community, while Dr John Mohin, 58, has also picked up an OBE for services to industry and charity. The Stone resident is a first cousin of Sir Paul McCartney, as well as a trustee at Wedgwood Museum. Dr Mohin has worked for Wedgwood since 1974, which was known as Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd at the time, when he joined as a management graduate.

John McDonough, chief executive of Wolverhampton-based construction giant Carillion, has been handed a CBE for his services to the construction industry, while former West Midlands Police detective sergeant Graham Sanders was receiving the Queen's Police Medal for distinguished service.

Det Sgt Sanders, who retired in March, completed nearly 39 years' service, leading numerous murder and manslaughter investigations during his distinguished career.

He said: "This award means a lot to me as recognition of what I've achieved in my career."

Meanwhile, William Brawn, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Birmingham Children's Hospital, has been awarded the CBE for services to medicine. He said: "I am delighted to have been awarded this honour.

"I'd like to say a huge thanks to all of my colleagues, the cardiac team and the hospital as without all of their hard work and support, none of what we have achieved would have been possible."

MBEs were also today given to Diana Mackay-Scott from Stone for services to the community and Graham Russell, of Stafford, chief executive of the Birmingham-based Local Better Regulation Office, for services to business and consumers. Mr Russell, a trained trading standards officer, 48, said he was "chuffed to bits" at his honour.

The director of legal services at Staffordshire has been rewarded for his work for the county's courts with an OBE.

Justices clerk David Goodman, who is also a district judge, has worked for Her Majesty's Courts Service for more than 41 years.

A West Bromwich woman who helps homeless youngsters is celebrating after being awarded an MBE. Jennifer Johnson, 48, of High Street has been working as a housing manager at the homelessness charity St Basils in Small Heath for the past 19 years and said she was delighted to get the MBE.

The mother of one said: "I couldn't believe it. I have no idea who nominated me.

"I have worked with lots of young people over the years, so it could be any of them."