AN INFLUENTIAL figure in the public sector has called on residents to nominate their heroes for prestigious accolades.

The honours system recognises hundreds of people twice a year to reward them with a knighthood, an MBE, OBE or CBE, but those in charge of drawing up the shortlist claim the region’s nominations are lagging behind the rest of the country.

Writing in today’s Press, Sir Bob Kerslake, head of the Civil Service, has urged those who know of any deserving people to put them forward for one of the country’s highest possible honours.

He said: “Every year up to 1,300 individuals are recognised through the honours system.

“There have been some fantastic honours awarded in Yorkshire and the Humber region this year.

“However, the latest statistics show that as a proportion of the total numbers only 4.8 per cent of honours went to people in the Yorkshire and Humber region in 2014.

“I would like to make a personal plea for members of the public to nominate their friends, colleagues, relatives or sports and community leaders for an honour.”

Figures released by the civil service show the decline in nominations.

Yorkshire and the Humber has 8.4 per cent of the population but over the last two years, only 5.4 per cent of those receiving honours have gone to people in the region.

Mr Kerslake added: “I would like to make a personal plea for members of the public to nominate their friends, colleagues, relatives or sports and community leaders for an honour.

“Anyone can nominate someone for an award and anyone can receive an award, if they reach the required standard of merit or service.

“Some people may think honours are largely reserved for certain professions or backgrounds, but they really are for everyone who has done a great job for their community.

“Recipients have included people who have spent years fostering children, helping people to take part in sports or doing valuable work in the voluntary or charity sector.”

For more information on how to nominate someone go to www.gov.uk/honours.