34 people from across the West Midlands have been named in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

The list, which has been announced early this year to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, includes a total of 7 OBEs, 18 MBEs and 9 people who are awarded a British Empire Medal.

Each year The Queen recognises the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life and all ages within our communities who make a difference to the lives of those around them.

This year’s recipients, who have made a significant contribution, positive impact and delivered significant outcomes, come from all across the West Midlands including five recipients from Dudley, one from Sandwell and three from Wolverhampton.

ITV news anchor, Bob Warman has been awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting and journalism. Bob is one of the world’s longest standing television presenters, having presented ITV Central News for 49 years.

Karen Trainer, who works as a centre manager for Big Venture Centre in Wolverhampton has been awarded an MBE for services to the local community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Another recipient honoured for services to the NHS and community in the West Midlands is 22-year-old Alex Griffiths.

Alex undertook a Clinical Support Worker apprenticeship at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, working on Covid wards during the height of the pandemic before pushing himself further by enrolling on a masters degree course in Adult and Child Nursing at Birmingham City University. Alex said:

“I’ve no idea who nominated me, but I’m obviously flattered and very proud to be the recipient of a British Empire Medal - but to be honest, I’m just doing what I love to do!

”As cheesy as it sounds, I firmly believe I was put on earth to care, although I never thought I’d receive official recognition for this. 

“When I was growing up, I wanted to be a doctor, so I think I always had this desire to help others. But I when I began working at Russells Hall Hospital, I saw first-hand the day-to-day critical and intensive care that nurses provided and the relationships they developed with their patients as a result.

“Being a ‘people person’ that really appealed to me, and I knew then that nursing was for me.”

The individual honours are announced twice a year to mark The Queen’s official birthday in June and at the end of December - the New Year Honours. Some 1,200 people are recognised in each list. The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE added:

“Making up the fabric of the West Midlands are some amazing people who work hard to deliver a better, brighter and kinder place.  These people with big hearts are often known within their neighbourhoods but fail to gain the wider credit they deserve.  

“This year’s recipients showcase a range of outstanding achievements and provide an insight into the region and the people that make it so great. We are all very grateful for what they do each and every day and I am absolutely delighted to see so many gain the recognition they deserve in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.       

“Through the activities of the West Midlands Lieutenancy, I come across many people providing support and giving their time to help others.  Now more than ever, there are so many unsung heroes who deserve to be honoured but they need someone to nominate them.

“I would encourage people from across the region to get involved and think about who is making a difference in your local area so that we can continue to recognise these individuals for the great work they are doing.”  

Details on how to nominate are found on the West Midlands Lieutenancy website at wmlieutenancy.org.