A YORK councillor has said he feels "thrilled and humbled" to have been awarded an MBE by the Queen.

Cllr Johnny Hayes was awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to the community. He attended yesterday's ceremony at Buckingham Palace with his wife Frankie and two of his children, Charlotte and Freddie.

Cllr Hayes, who runs, Frankie and Johnny’s Cookshop in Bishopthorpe Road, helped form the Bishy Road Traders Association, a group of independent traders who work on or around Bishopthorpe Road in York, and became its chairman.

The association was formed with the objective of withstanding the impact of the recession, organising events and street parties for the local residents, a highlight being the street party for the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014.

Cllr Hayes said: “I am genuinely thrilled and humbled. I am proud to live in the Bishy Road area of York and to have worked hard with others to improve it. Receiving the MBE for work done in a community that I love is a huge honour.”

In 2015, Bishopthorpe Road was named Best High Street in Britain in the GB High Street Awards.

Also due to have been awarded an MBE yesterday was Emma Woods, owner of Duncombe Sawmill, in Helmsley. Emma was given the award for services to rural business and skills in North Yorkshire.