MARK Worrall, leader of Tonbridge and Malling council,is among those recognised in the Queen's birthday honours this year.

Cllr Worrall has been made an OBE for his public and voluntary service to local government.

Also recognised are Bette Pearson, from Allington, Maidstone, who receives an MBE, for services to animal welfare. Mrs Pearson, who has rehomed more than 6,000 dogs over the years, said said she would like her colleagues at the RSPCA and Animal Welfare Charity to be recognised for their hard work too.

She added: "An MBE is something I've never even thought of but I'm very pleased. I do it for the love of the animals."

Former county archaeologist, Dr John Williams, from Horsmonden, has also been awarded an MBE for services to local government.

Dr Williams, who has just retired as head of heritage conservation at Kent County Council, said: “I am delighted.

“I think it’s not just for me but for archaeologists and other people that I have worked with.”

Dr Williams spent 19 years working for the authority and was responsible for co-ordinating archaeology and planning development across the county.

Elsewhere, comedian Paul O’Grady, from Ashford, has been made an MBE for services to entertainment.

Knighthoods: