Tina Emery, a Street resident and steadfast advocate for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), has been honoured in King Charles' inaugural Birthday Honours List.

Tina - now Tina Emery OBE - is the Co-Chair of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums. Her tireless efforts on behalf of SEND children and young people have now been recognised nationally.

King Charles, whose coronation took place earlier this year in May, has chosen to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of hundreds of UK citizens across various societal sectors in his first honours list. The recipients come from all walks of life, including prominent figures from the worlds of sport, entertainment, diplomatic services, armed forces, and charity, all honoured for their positive impact within their respective communities and work areas.

However, amidst the recognisable faces, community heroes like Tina Emery embody the spirit of the honours list. Her dedication to enhancing SEND children's and young people's lives locally and nationally has seen her provide tireless service that extends far beyond her official role. Her recognition in this honours list serves as an affirmation of the importance and value of her work.

Speaking about the honour, Tina said: "This has come as a bit of a surprise. I didn't think this would ever be me. I'm only a small part of the work that is carried out by parent carer forums every day. I couldn't have done this job without them, the families we support and of course my family.

"I'm so proud to be part of an amazing team within a fantastic organisation."

This year's list includes other esteemed honourees such as Vogue editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour, Booker Prize-winning novelist Ian McEwan, and regius professor of medicine at the University of Oxford, Professor Sir John Bell, who were made Companions of Honour. Also recognised were Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure, TV presenter Davina McCall, and veteran broadcaster Ken Bruce, who were awarded MBEs.

Among the more senior recipients, Joan Willett, aged 106, was honoured with a British Empire Medal for her charitable fundraising for the British Heart Foundation. On the opposite end of the age spectrum, the youngest honouree, Junior Jay Frood, 18, received the same medal for services to vulnerable children.

The honours given out this year reflect a broad spectrum, from Companions of Honour (CH) to those receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM). The list was characterised by a strong community focus, with more than half (52%) of the recipients being recognised for their outstanding work in their communities. The list was also balanced in terms of gender representation, with exactly half (50%) of the recipients being women.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: "This year's honours list is a testament to ordinary people who have demonstrated extraordinary community spirit, and I pay tribute to all those who have been recognised today.

"Our honours system has long been a way of recognising people who make an incredible contribution to life in Britain and beyond."