DUDLEY'S Mayor has congratulated the efforts of people living and working in the borough who were recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Rose Cook Monk, from Dudley, who has endeavoured to keep the memory of Dudley’s most famous son, Duncan Edwards, alive was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the community in Dudley.

Stourbridge solicitor Richard Port was awarded an MBE for services to victims of domestic abuse - having created and delivered a training programme, in his own time, for staff to help them assist their service users in accessing legal aid.

Andrew Lovett, chief executive of the Black Country Living Museum and chairman of the Association of Independent Museums, was awarded an OBE for services to cultural heritage.

Kathryn Beale from Bilston received a British Empire Medal for services to the communities in Dudley and Sandwell - having set up Just Straight Talk in 2012, a community project-based organisation to provide practical help and motivation to young people (aged 16-25) to turn their lives around and reach life goals.

Councillor Anne Millward, Mayor of Dudley, said: "Receiving national recognition through the Queen’s Honours system is a tremendous accolade for anyone who receives it. We know there are so many fantastic people and organisations across Dudley borough doing outstanding work and we are always keen to encourage people to nominate others for these awards.

"I would like to commend borough recipients Richard and Rose on their achievements and thank them for their tireless efforts in making a difference.

"Congratulations must also go to Andrew, who does a tremendous job at the helm of the Black Country Living Museum, as he is made an OBE in honour of his work through the Association of Independent Museums.

"I’m also delighted to hear that Kathryn Beale from Bilston has also been recognised for her tireless work in Dudley and over the border in Sandwell.

"The four awards closely linked to Dudley in this New Year’s list follows dozens of others from the borough who have received recognition over the last few years and we are working hard to continually increase the numbers even further."

Sylvia Heal, former Labour MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis (and formerly Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons), was also made a dame for her political and public service.