We are so honoured

Oldham actress Sarah Lancashire

TALENTED, dedicated and community-minded Oldhamers have been named as award recipients in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.

An actress, former rugby league player turned dedicated charity chairman, an Oldham councillor and those focusing their careers on improving the lives of residents in Oldham and across the country have all been given awards in this year's official list.

Nationally-renowned Oldham-born actress Sarah Lancashire was awarded an OBE for Services to Drama.

The popular actress (52) has starred in "Coronation Street", "Last Tango in Halifax" and won a Bafta for her role in police drama "Happy Valley" earlier this year.

Gillian McCarthy, from Austerlands, was also awarded an OBE for Services to Employers and Employees. Mrs McCarthy has worked for the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) for 25 years, including five years as director for operational policy and performance.

Former head of Oldham's Lifelong Learning Lynda Fairhurst was given an OBE for Services to Further Education in the official birthday honour's list.

Lynda joined Oldham Council in 2001 and retired in December, last year, weeks before she was presented with the chief executive's special recognition award at Oldham Council's Top Awards ceremony. Former rugby league player Terry Flanagan was awarded an MBE for Services to Rugby League and to charity in the North-West.

Terry, from Grasscroft, is currently the chairman of Mahdlo Youth Zone and said he feels "proud and honoured" to receive the award.

Oldham Councillor Abdul Jabbar was also awarded an MBE for political and public service.

Councillor Jabbar, deputy leader of Oldham Council, has been a local councillor since 1994, representing Coldhurst. In June, 2004, he was elected as the youngest-ever Mayor of Oldham.

Pamela Berry was also given a British Empire Medal for Services to the Community in Delph.