King's Birthday Honours for people in the North East and Teesside
The Honours are for those who've contributed to their community and country
More than 30 people from the North East and Teesside who have contributed to their community and country are celebrated in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 today.
In total across the UK, 1182 recipients have been awarded this year for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus on recognising community change-makers.
This year’s recipients include dedicated foster carers, role models in women's sports, committed health workers, champions of the arts, and devotion to public service.
Every part of the UK is represented in the list, from the Western Isles to Cornwall. Recipients from the North East make up 2% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
"Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them.
"Their dedication shows how lasting change is built - through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others.
"It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you."
Knighthood
Professor Carlos Frenk from Durham is getting a knighthood for services to astrophysics and cosmology
The world-leading Durham University cosmologist is behind one of the foremost theories for the evolution of the Universe.
Sir Carlos, Ogden Professor of Fundamental Physics in Durham’s Department of Physics, is one of the originators of the Cold Dark Matter theory for the formation of structure in the Universe.
Working with scientists across the world he uses high-power supercomputers to build model universes, based on the known laws of physics.
The techniques developed by Sir Carlos and his collaborators are now commonly used by cosmologists to explain the formation of the galaxies and other large-scale cosmic structures that we see in the Universe around us.
Professor Sir Carlos Frenk said: “To be knighted by His Majesty The King is a tremendous honour and to say that I am overjoyed is an understatement.
“I am hugely grateful to my wife, Susan, and my family, my colleagues and students, and to Durham University, all of whom have given me unconditional support over the years, without which this would have never happened.
“As a teenager I remember being captivated by a night sky alight with stars and I knew then that I wanted to spend my life understanding its origins.
“To have been able to do that, working alongside some of the world’s most talented scientists, has been the greatest privilege.”
- Christopher Mullin from Northumberland is getting a knighthood for political and public service
Full list - CBE
- Samantha Allen from Morpeth, Northumberland for services to the NHS as she is the chief executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board
- Rhiannon Hiles from Durham for services for museums and to the culture and heritage of the North East as she is the chief executive of the Beamish Museum
- Yasmin Khan from Middlesbrough for services to ending domestic abuse and violence against women as she is the chief executive of the Halo Project
- Dominic Llewellyn from Newcastle for services to the impact economy as he is the found and chief executive of AchieveGood
- John Marshall from Morpeth, Northumberland for services to the local economy in the North East as chair of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
- Bernard Ord from Middlesbrough for services to industry, charitable causes and to the community in Teesside
- John Pearce from Tyne and Wear for services to children and young people as director of children's services at Durham County Council
- Dr Martin Raby from Teesside for services to higher education as prinicipal and chief executive of the Northern School of Art in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, North Yorkshire and County Durham
- Dr Ian Ritchey from Newcastle for service to engineering as director of Connect Northumberland
- Alyson Scurfield from Newcastle for services to technology enabled care as she's chief executive of TEC Services Association
- Alice Witherow from North Tyneside for services to education as chief executive of Cheviot Learning Trust in Northumberland
Below is the full list of people in the North East and Teesside getting an MBE or BEM, with some having expanded details from what we've been provided by the Cabinet Office.
Full list - MBE
56 year-old Alison Dunn MBE from Gateshead for services to the community in the North East.
● She built a successful career from an unqualified start at age 16, balancing a high-pressure legal career and two chief executive roles, driven by a passion for advocating for the less fortunate in the North East.
● She dramatically turned around a failing charity appointed as CEO in 2012, transforming it into an award-winning organization that is now one of the largest members of the national Citizens Advice network, supporting over 20,000 people annually by March 2024 with a turnover of £6.8 million.
● Her influence extends nationally through active engagement on various boards, including her voluntary role as Chair of the Board of Trustees at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations Network Northeast).
● Appointed as the Poverty Truth Commissioner in Gateshead in 2020, she has delivered practical anti-poverty solutions, such as the annual winter warmer packs and the 'warm spaces' initiative, which she mobilized locally before it became a national phenomenon.
● She holds a unique shared strategic leadership role between Citizens Advice Gateshead and the Council, which began in 2019, enabling her to enact significant positive changes across the North East.
72 year-old Margaret Lester MBE from Northumberland for services to Girlguiding
● Over 50 years, she held diverse roles in Girlguiding, from unit leader to national posts, leaving an indelible mark on the movement by creating opportunities and inspiring countless girls and volunteers.
● As County International Adviser, she hosted two landmark international camps (Ghana & Canada) and created pathways for girls to participate in overseas trips, ensuring they were well-prepared and culturally aware.
● She reshaped how Girlguiding approached community service by embedding "community action" into the national programme and pioneering the successful International Community Experience (ICE).
● She led the 2010 World Thinking Day celebrations as the lead volunteer for "One World, One Beat," a UK-wide performing arts festival that provided a memorable experience for thousands of members.
● Drawing on her professional expertise as Head of Safeguarding, she was a highly respected trainer, delivering Safe Space training and consistently focusing her greatest impact on mentoring leaders and inspiring girls to believe in themselves, resulting in the Silver Fish award.
77 year-old Brenda Bland MBE from Hartlepool for services to swimming in Great Britain
● Began as a competitive swimmer for Hartlepool Swimming Club, qualifying for National Championships, and later became the club's President.
● Volunteered in numerous roles throughout her career, including teaching, acting as a swimming official/referee at all levels up to National Championships, and progressing from club chaperone to Team Manager for Team England and ultimately Team GB Olympic Swimming Team Manager.
● Represented her country as an official at major international events like the European and World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic Games (including Sydney 2000).
● All roles in her swimming career, including the elite management positions, were on a volunteer basis, often using annual leave from her paid work.
● Received significant recognition, including the honour of Northumberland and Durham President and a BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award (Team of the Year) for her work managing Team GB at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
29 year-old Sundas Khalid MBE from County Durham for services to charity and healthcare
● As a dedicated midwife and founder of the Association of South Asian Midwives (ASAM), she became its CEO in 2022 to establish a supportive network for professionals in the field.
● Motivated by witnessing unacceptable care and high mortality rates for South Asian women and babies, her primary goal is to eliminate unconscious bias, racism, and misconceptions within midwifery.
● Despite cultural taboos within the South Asian community that viewed midwifery as an unsuitable profession, she remains committed to achieving ASAM's objectives and supporting others in the field.
● Through ASAM and her previous volunteer work with the Maternal Aid Association (MAA), she actively works to educate the South Asian community about midwifery as a career and address cultural taboos in birthing settings.
● She has organised several key events, including the 'Dark Lens' conferences (2021-2023) which celebrated black and brown excellence in perinatal healthcare, and the 'South Asian Nursing and Midwifery Conference' (2023), the first of its kind in the UK and which focused on perinatal mental health and showcased the voices of South Asian mothers.
65 year-old Nigel Coates from Newcastle for services to higher education and to business
● Founded Northumbria University's Business Clinic in 2013 to embed real-world, pro bono consultancy experience into the undergraduate curriculum for students across all backgrounds.
● The Business Clinic has provided pro bono consultancy to over 600 organisations (multinationals, SMEs, charities) and engaged over 2,400 students in tackling live business challenges.
● The initiative has significantly benefited students, particularly those from widening participation backgrounds, by equipping them with practical skills, confidence, and professional networks, leading to higher graduate-level employment.
● The clinic's estimated contribution to the regional economy exceeds £3 million, strengthening the university's knowledge exchange and becoming a benchmark for experiential learning, regularly hosted by international delegations.
● His impact extends beyond the university through significant voluntary roles, including as a governor at a special school and a trustee for charities supporting children with SEND, reflecting a commitment to inclusion and social responsibility.
36 year-old Graeme Black MBE from County Durham for services to young people in Durham
● Drawing on his DWP experience leading the Kickstart programme, volunteers as a Business Ambassador with DurhamWorks to support young people in the Northeast of England.
● The DurhamWorks programme annually serves 900 primary and secondary school students in the Northeast combined authority area, focusing on those at risk of disengaging from post-education/training, including those with educational health needs.
● In his role, he provides career coaching, enterprise sessions, 1-2-1s, mock interviews, and group talks, utilising DWP experience to give practical advice on moving into the world of work.
● He uses engaging events like "Work, Why Bother?" and "Speed Networking" to offer tailored advice on post-qualification pathways and instil confidence in students.
● The programme has a proven impact, with case studies confirming that 78% of participating students successfully moved into an opportunity post-education, and Graeme is described as an invaluable ambassador for DWP.
79 year-old Tom Fennelly MBE from South Shields for services to search and rescue
● Over 55 years of exceptional and sustained voluntary service to the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB), a coastal search and rescue unit operating under HM Coastguard.
● Actively participated in countless rescues in all weathers, risking his life, and served as the Honorary Secretary for over 50 years, managing and fundraising to maintain the SSVLB's operations, historic Watch House, and equipment.
● His personal commitment to fundraising includes cycling 500 miles, and his leadership in organising public open days and heritage tours fosters strong community awareness and engagement.
● His dedication extends beyond the SSVLB, including service as a School Governor/Chair of Governors and a central figure in town twinning relationships with Germany and France.
● Performs annually at numerous community and fundraising events, including Mayor's Charity and Care Homes, and is an active member of the Roman Catholic community, contributing through writing, Mass readings, and fundraising.
Full list - BEM
65 year-old Adrian Richards BEM from Ferryhill for services to the community in Chester-le-Street
● An activity week was started in Chester-le-Street in 2004 to address a rise in antisocial behaviour (ASB) during the summer school holidays, offering free activities as a deterrent to crime for young people.
● The event has grown significantly, starting with a few hundred people and reaching approximately 25,000 attendees last year, with 200,000 visitors in total since its inception.
● The project successfully engages with vulnerable young people, diverting them from poor choices, and has led to a measured drop in ASB during the week and subsequent weeks, reducing demand on policing.
● It serves as a vital community engagement platform, particularly for underprivileged children, and provides a space for the Neighbourhood Police Team and Council to connect with hard-to-reach groups.
● The event is well-supported, raising over £26,000 last year from partners and donations, and has also boosted local businesses through increased town footfall.
49 year-old Debra Padgett BEM from Whitley Bay for services to biomedical science in the NHS
● She has over 25 years of experience in the NHS, culminating in her presidency of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) (2022-23), where she championed quality, innovation, and professional development.
● Her leadership has transformed pathology services in the Northeast and North Cumbria, notably by driving digital advancements, including the successful implementation of digital histopathology reporting tools.
● As IBMS President, she significantly enhanced the national profile and awareness of clinical laboratory services, securing greater understanding of their vital role in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment effectiveness.
● She led the inaugural Quality symposium at the bi-annual IBMS Congress, creating a national platform to champion excellence and drive service improvement across the UK.
● She is viewed as an inspirational, supportive, and approachable senior leader and a role model for aspiring female leaders and scientists.
● Holds two honorary fellowships, with Royal College of Pathologists and Academy of Healthcare Science.
50 year-old Faye Marsh BEM from County Durham for services to children and young people in County Durham
● She has dedicated 25 years to supporting vulnerable children and young people in Darlington, including 21 years as a Personal Advisor for care-experienced children.
● She now manages the Peer Mentor programme, acting as a powerful and highly-regarded advocate, providing guidance and stability to children in care and care-experienced peer mentors.
● Known as a 'mother figure' ("Mother Faye") by many, she has a deeply personal impact, creating a safe and nurturing environment, and often goes above and beyond her job description to provide support.
● She is the driving force behind the peer mentoring service, building trust through her humility, humour, and heart, and is considered by leaders to be synonymous with being child-centred.
● Her relational and restorative work has nurtured a cohort of vulnerable young people, building their confidence, encouraging development, and enabling them to provide meaningful support to others.
92 year-old Barbara Scrimshaw BEM from Northumberland for charitable service
● A 92-year-old woman has fundraised for the PDSA for 45 years, raising over £100k, and is their longest-serving fundraising volunteer.
● Her dedication to fundraising, which also included the RNLI, stemmed from her working-class upbringing and practical skills in crafting, knitting, sewing, and baking.
● She and her late husband, a fellow skilled crafter, began fundraising for the PDSA after their dog, Shep, received charitable veterinary services.
● The couple established and contributed to fundraising groups in Leeds, where they helped raise funds for the Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital, and later in Bridlington.
● Following their move to Alnwick and her husband's passing in 2023, she continues to fundraise for the PDSA and Cancer Research in his memory by selling handmade crafts.
79 year-old Geoffrey Hill BEM from Stockton for voluntary services to aviation history
● For nearly fifty years, he has made significant contributions to education and aviation history, dedicated to preserving the memory of those lost in armed conflict, particularly those who served at Royal Air Force Middleton St George.
● Through tireless work, he has ensured the memory of 1,218 personnel, especially those from the Royal Canadian Air Force who suffered their greatest losses there, are not forgotten, fighting personally to protect the memorial garden and statues from demolition.
● He has been the driving force behind the annual memorial service since 1980, a complex event attended by serving Canadian Air Force personnel from Trenton Airbase.
● He personally investigates countless global requests from relatives of the fallen, providing detailed information about their family members.
● He established a permanent historical display in the Durham Tees Valley Airport terminal, personally touring the UK to purchase and donate artefacts and memorabilia, ensuring all passengers understand the site's history.
49 year-old Allison White BEM from Newton Aycliffe for services to supporting people with cancer
● She founded the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group in 2014, after her own leukaemia diagnosis in 2009, to combat the loneliness associated with the illness and provide local support.
● The group, which registered as a charity in March 2020, supports hundreds of patients, carers, and relatives across County Durham, Darlington, and North Yorkshire with confidential emotional support, information sharing, and social activities.
● She coordinates a team of volunteers to provide free hospital transport for cancer patients and creates handmade chemo bags filled with useful items to make treatment more comfortable.
● Her significant fundraising efforts, which have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds, have also secured a donation of a caravan in Redcar and funds for a second in Whitley Bay for respite and led to the opening of a charity shop and advice hub in Newton Aycliffe (2022).
● Since its 10th anniversary year (2024), the group continues to see increased demand, offering monthly meetings with guest speakers (dieticians, therapists, medical professionals) and demonstrating a commitment to never turn anyone away.
70 year-old Lynn Hope BEM from Tyne and Wear for services to inclusive gymnastics
● Transformed Northern Hope Gymnastics Club into an inclusive space for children with special needs and disabilities, promoting training alongside typically-developing peers since 2015.
● The number of gymnasts with additional needs has grown significantly, supporting a wide range of needs (e.g., Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, wheelchair users) with bespoke coaching and flexible training environments.
● In 2023, the club achieved significant success, with four disability partnerships reaching the podium at the Schools National Finals and three gymnasts with disabilities winning medals and a trophy at the NDP Finals.
● Created new local competitive opportunities for disabled gymnasts, built strong relationships with special schools (hosting festivals and using Makaton), and is inspiring other clubs to promote wider inclusion.
● The club has produced disabled young leaders, raised awareness through local media and serves as a powerful example of how sport can drive social change.
- Richard Anderson from Gateshead getting a BEM for services to charity
- Caroline Tyerman from Durham, getting a BEM for services to education, particularly Special Educational Needs (SEND) and inclusion leadership
- Stephen Bunn from Redcar, getting a BEM for services to stroke victims and the local community
- Richard Starrs from Stockton, getting a BEM for services to heritage, particularly as Project Manager for the Stockton & Darlington Railway Bicentenary
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to the honours website to find out more about how you can put them forward.