A number of Surrey and Sussex residents have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.  

Sarah Gates, a Sussex Police mental health liaison officer based in Crawley, has been awarded an OBE for services to those suffering from mental ill health. Surrey Police Temporary Chief Constable Nick Ephgrave is awarded a Queen’s Police Medal.  The Chief Executive of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Michael Wilson has been awarded a CBE after 33 years of service to the NHS.  John Kempton, Team Leader of Oxted and District First Responders has been made an MBE, and Robert Bettesworth owner of Bob’s Shop in Newdigate has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to the Newdigate community.  

At the age of 99, Dame Vera Lynn who lives in Sussex has been made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour.  Surrey resident, actor Brian Blessed has been awarded an OBE.