FOUR dedicated individuals from across the area have been recognised in the Queen's latest birthday honours list.

The people who have received the honour have been rewarded for the work they put in in their professional life or in their spare time.

Susan Brett, the founder of Maidenhead Foodshare and Open Kitchen, a charity which helps the homeless in the town, has been given a British Empire Medal for voluntary and charitable services to tackling food poverty in Berkshire.

She said: "When I first got the letter I looked at it and thought 'I am in trouble' because it looked so official. Then I put it away and forgot about it until my Facebook went a bit mad on Saturday. It's a bit surreal.

"It's such an honour but I just hope that it makes other people aware that if I can do it, they can do it.

"I hope it will open some more doors for the charity."

Nicola Clemo, who is currently the chief executive of Slough Children's Services Trust, has been named as the recipient of an OBE for services to children from her time working at Cambridgeshire County Council.

She said: "On behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council's social workers and staff, elected members, partners and stakeholders, I am delighted to accept this OBE.

"Working in Cambridgeshire gave me the opportunity to promote the social work profession as one that should be celebrated and valued – and it’s this recognition of our profession that makes this OBE so special.”

Heather Harper who lives in Iver and is chairman of Conservatives Abroad, was awarded an MBE for political service.

She said: "I was just totally overwhelmed when I found out and I got incredibly emotional. I actually couldn't quite believe it until a friend texted me at midnight on Friday saying 'Heather Harper MBE'."

Mrs Harper wishes that her husband and father were here to see her receive the honour, especially as her father introduced her to the world of politics.

She added: "I just feel very grateful that I have been recognised for the work I do and I am passionate about.

"I have worked with a great team of people and I feel very thankful for everybody who has helped inspire me and helped me do what I do."

William Michael Ainslie Copland was given a British Empire Medal for services to the community in Cookham.