'Proper estate girl' makes King's Honours list

Katie Lynch said all she wanted was to look after children when she set up a small nursery above a furniture store in Leicester.

More than 20 years on, the 47-year-old said she was astounded to find out she had been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King's Birthday Honours List, revealed on Friday.

"Never in a million did I expect this," said Mrs Lynch, founder of the Allexton Community Nursery CIC.

"I'm New Parks born and bred, a proper estate girl, and this stuff just doesn't happen to people like me."

Mrs Lynch has been recognised for her services to children and families over a 27-year career.

"I've been really privileged to be able to work with children and families and do what I can to help them," she added.

She helps struggling families through education programmes and provides free nursery sessions for families ineligible for funding in a deprived area of the city, a Cabinet Office spokesperson said.

"She ensures that all children attending the nursery receive Christmas and birthday gifts and extends this kindness to their siblings," the spokesperson added.

"She continues to support vulnerable families long after children have left the nursery, and facilitates foster placements, secure housing and refuge."

The headteacher of Crown Hills Community College in Leicester has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to education.

Farhan Adam has run the 1,500-pupil school since 2017 and has won national awards for his leadership.

When he took up the role, pupil attainment was below national averages, but it has risen above that since.

The 48-year-old said getting the honour was "bonkers".

"I'm incredibly honoured," he added.

"I still don't know who put me forward for this.

"I am just one of many unsung heroes in the education sector and I am just lucky enough that somebody has championed me."

"This would not have happened without my staff, the pupils and their families, who have put their trust in me to look after their children's education."

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• Andy Smith - Derby City Council, for services to disadvantaged and vulnerable children
• Paul Livingston – Lockheed Martin UK, for services to the defence industry

Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Nigel Bates - Uniper UK, for services to the electricity generation industry
• Anne Cowan - For services to the community in Manton, Rutland
• James Haluch - Breedon Group, for services to improving safety for highway workers
• Craig Law - Celtic Magic, for services to the design and production of bespoke technological solutions for the disabled community
• Colin Magee - Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association, for services to young people and to people with disabilities
• Celia Suppiah - Parents 1st, for services to families during pregnancy to early childhood
• Roderick Thorpe – Loughborough University, for services to physical education and sport
• Ann Whittle - HM Courts and Tribunal Service, for services to disability inclusion in HM Courts and Tribunals Service and the Ministry of Justice

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Verity Hancock - Leicester College, for services to further education.
• Umeshkumar Desai - for services to higher education
• Prof Susan Page - University of Leicester, for services to peatland and climate research
• Dr Stefanie Edwards - Learn Academies Trust, for services to education

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire

• Karen Setchell - Loughborough University, for services to animal welfare and to sustainability

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.