A COUNCILLOR has received an MBE in recognition for her service to local government and the City of York.

Ann Reid, the deputy leader of York LibDems and former Lord Mayor of York, was first elected to serve the Foxwood ward in 1986 and then for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe.

Her Lib Dem colleagues said: “For over 30 years, she has served the people of York with dedication and enthusiasm.

“In addition to helping hundreds of residents every year with local issues, Cllr Reid has served as Lord Mayor of York (1993-94), as Master of the Company of Cordwainers and as a long serving school governor.

“She was only the fifth woman to serve as York’s Lord Mayor, an office that stretches back to 1217.”

Cllr Reid said: “I am surprised and delighted to have been proposed for this honour.

“It has been a privilege to represent the residents of Dringhouses and Woodthorpe for so many years.

“I am grateful to my family and fellow councillors who have given me great support over the years and I am so lucky to have been able to give something back to this wonderful City.”

In May 2015 Cllr Reid polled the biggest vote in the history of City of York Council.

She has been elected nine times, and in 2015 became the first person since the council was founded in the mid-1990s to poll more than 3,000 votes, topping the election with 3,104. She is now interim executive member for culture, leisure and tourism

And two leaders of North Yorkshire County Council’s children’s service have each been awarded an OBE for their role in transforming services for vulnerable and looked after children.

Judith Hay, assistant director for children and families and Martin Kelly, head of children and young people’s resources, have been honoured for their key role in developing North Yorkshire’s service that is recognised nationally “as a leading light in the design of services for vulnerable children”.

Judith Hay said their work had been constantly supported by leadership at the very top of the county council, from the chief executive down. Martin Kelly said many organisations wanted to do the best for children but in North Yorkshire “we have a dogged determination to keep on track and never give up”.